Lately, the Grizzlies have not gotten many positive injury reports. The team is significantly shorthanded, and that has been the case for most of the season. But the good news from today is that there are more reinforcements on the way.
Santi Aldama and Cedric Coward were just listed as doubtful on today's injury report, and both should return a game or two after tomorrow's matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
Status Report: @memgrizz at @Pacers, March 1 pic.twitter.com/ZRt2mzVq4Q
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) February 28, 2026
Santi Aldama had been out for the last 3 weeks
The Grizzlies traded away Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale to create future flexibility. However, the trade left the Grizzlies shorthanded in the frontcourt. Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke had already been out for multiple weeks, but to make matters worse, Santi Aldama ended up missing the last three weeks following the victory over the Kings on February 4 due to right knee injury management.
Lawson Lovering had appeared in two games while on a 10-day contract, but the Grizzlies did not bring him back. In the rest of the games, the Grizzlies have lacked size, and Taylor Hendricks, at 6-foot-9, has usually been the tallest player on the floor for the Grizzlies. Now, Santi Aldama should be able to give the Grizzlies size they've been missing and be another offensive boost.
Aldama was averaging 14 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 43 games before his recent absence. Even though Santi is better suited as a power forward, he should be a reliable option at center for now.
Coward is close to his first game since before the All-Star break
Cedric Coward had an awkward landing on a rebound against the Warriors on February 9 and has not played since. Despite being selected for the Rising Stars Challenge, Coward did not participate in the event. Shortly after All-Star break, he was re-evaluated and ended up avoiding a serious injury. Cedric Coward has been one of the best rookies in the league this year and will be a welcome boost.
Coward was averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 48 games so far. He has shown all the signs of becoming a legitimate franchise cornerstone for the Grizzlies.
While Santi Aldama and Cedric Coward will likely not play tomorrow against the Indiana Pacers, they will very likely play in the next game or two. Injuries have prevented the Grizzlies from building legitimate momentum throughout the season, and the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade has left the team even more shorthanded than they already were. However, the Grizzlies could have a strong finish to the season as they get more players back.