The Memphis Grizzlies were dealt a major blow to their hopes of upsetting San Antonio in the first round on Thursday with news surfacing that guard Tony Allen is out indefinitely with a right calf strain.
The report went on to note that Allen will likely miss the entire first-round playoff series, which starts this upcoming Sunday.
Grizzlies SG Tony Allen diagnosed Thursday with right calf strain. He's out indefinitely and doubtful for 1st-round playoff series vs Spurs.
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) April 13, 2017
While a liability on the offensive end of the court, Allen has drawn praise throughout his career for being one of the top perimeter defenders in the game. In fact, the 35-year-old guard has earned All-NBA Defensive Team honors in six of the past seven seasons.
With Allen out of action, Memphis won’t be able to mix up its scheme to defend MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard. That will be a major blow for the team’s hopes upsetting San Antonio in the first round.