The Memphis Grizzlies might finally be getting a much-needed boost as they prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 17. After missing the first 26 games of the season, Brandon Clarke is on the verge of making his long-awaited return - and for a team that’s been battling injuries and searching for consistency, his presence couldn’t come at a better time.
Clarke has been a staple of Memphis’ bench rotation since the Grizzlies selected him 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Clarke is one of just a few remaining core pieces from that 2019 squad, with only John Konchar also still in the fold. His energy, versatility, and defensive instincts have long made him a fan favorite and a trusted piece in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt puzzle.
Coming into the season, Clarke was expected to take on a bigger role - potentially even stepping in as a starter - with rookie big man Zach Edey sidelined to start the year. But a setback just before training camp derailed those plans. Clarke underwent a procedure on his knee, delaying his return and keeping him out of action through the first third of the season.
Now, with Edey again sidelined due to a stress reaction in his left ankle - an injury announced on December 11 that will keep him out for at least four weeks - the Grizzlies are once again short-handed in the frontcourt. And once again, Clarke is being looked to as the answer.
The impact of Edey’s absence was immediate. Memphis surrendered 130 points in a loss to the Jazz on December 12 and has been outmuscled on the glass ever since, getting outrebounded 97-81 over their last two outings. While Clarke doesn’t bring the same size as Edey - he’s listed at 6'8" - he brings something equally valuable: elite athleticism, a high motor, and a defensive versatility that’s rare for a player his size.
Clarke’s ability to switch onto guards, protect the rim, and thrive in transition has made him an ideal complement to Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt. He doesn’t need plays called for him to make an impact - he does the dirty work, crashes the boards, and finishes around the rim with soft touch and explosive bounce. That kind of presence has been sorely missed.
The Grizzlies have officially upgraded Clarke to questionable for the matchup against Minnesota, a notable shift after he was listed as doubtful for their previous game against the Clippers. Memphis tends to follow a consistent pattern when bringing players back from long-term injuries - doubtful to questionable, then active - so all signs point to Clarke being close.
And it couldn’t come at a more critical moment. With Edey out, the Grizzlies need reinforcements on the interior.
They need someone who can help stabilize the defense, clean up the glass, and bring energy to a team that’s been fighting uphill all season. Clarke checks all those boxes.
His return won’t solve everything, but it gives Memphis another trusted option - and a player who knows exactly how to thrive in their system. For a team trying to claw its way back into the playoff picture, getting Clarke back on the floor could be the spark they’ve been waiting for.