Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol sprains ankle vs Heat, leaves arena in walking boot

Mar 14, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) scores over Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies simply can’t afford to lose Marc Gasol for any amount of time, let alone right now when the playoffs are merely weeks away.

And it appears that they have. It’s not known for how long, or how serious his ankle sprain that he suffered against the Miami Heat on Friday night is, but it’s at least significant enough to put him in a walking boot.

I’m sure it’s just precautionary at the moment, however, tomorrow’s evaluation could very well determine the Grizzlies immediate (and playoffs) fate.

Sure, the Grizzlies may have survived missing Gasol for a good chunk of the season while he was recovering from a knee injury, but there’s really not enough time for them to recover from losing Gasol for even a week or two right now. This is simply not good timing. Sometimes it’s just not your year, it’s starting to feel that way for the Grizzlies.

Gasol is averaging 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game this season for the Grizzlies.