Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen reacts to being called for a foul against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball Western Conference playoff series Wednesday, April 29, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. The Grizzlies won 99-93 to win the series 4-1. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Tony Allen Injury: Updates on Grizzlies Guard's Knee and Return

Alec NathanDec 14, 2015

Memphis Grizzlies swingman Tony Allen injured his knee and has been out since Dec. 13. However, he's ready to make his return.

Allen Active vs. Sixers

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Tuesday, Dec. 22

Rob Fischer of 87.7 FM Radio in Memphis reported Allen is expected to play on Tuesday night.

Allen Crucial to Grizzlies Defense

The Grizzlies have made a living by playing stingy defense over years, and Allen has long represented the key to the team's aggressive ways.

The veteran is a pesky on-ball defender with tremendous instincts, and at age 33, he even finished first in the NBA in steals per 100 team possessions a season ago with 4.1, per Basketball-Reference.com. However, Allen hasn't been especially healthy over the past two seasons.

A year after appearing in 55 games, he hit the floor for 63 regular-season appearances as he dealt with ankle and hamstring injuries.

This season, Allen's averaging 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game on 40.3 percent shooting from the field.