Mike Conley Injury: Updates on Grizzlies Star's Foot and Return

Mike Conley suffered a foot injury and has been out of the Memphis Grizzlies lineup since April 10. However, he has been listed as a starter for Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Continue for updates. 

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Conley to Start Game 1 vs. Blazers 

Sunday, April 19

Grizzlies sideline reporter Rob Fischer confirmed that Conley was in tonight's starting lineup against the Blazers. 

On April 17, Fischer reported that head coach Dave Joerger was not expecting Conley to be on the floor for Game 1 versus the Trail Blazers.

The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee, provided comments from Conley on April 11:

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Conley said the injury feel like he’s constantly walking on a golf ball. There is inflammation and swelling above the plantar fasciitis, making it so Conley can’t put much pressure on his right foot or run and jump effectively.

[...]

"I don’t want to shut down. I’d like to be playing and in a rhythm going into the playoffs as opposed to sitting," Conley said. "But I’ve a had a bad little stretch with injuries. I don’t know what the smart thing to do is, but I’m going to do the right thing for myself and the team.”

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Big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph may receive more press than Conley (which is fitting because Conley is one of the most underrated players in the league), but he is critical to Memphis' postseason chances. He is a deadeye shooter from three-point range, can get to the rim with explosive quickness and is a facilitator who is always looking to get his teammates involved.

He also is one of the best defensive point guards in the league, and he led the NBA in total steals during the 2012-13 season and finished second in 2011-12. That defense is even more important in the Western Conference due to the plethora of talented point guards lacing it up on a nightly basis.

The Grizzlies need a stopper of Conley's caliber back in the lineup if they wish to make a deep playoff run.