Vince

Williams Jr.

Williams has been out since November 19, when he suffered a severe ankle sprain during a game against the Nuggets. While he is progressing in his recovery, the third-year wing is still at least three weeks away from being cleared to play. Williams’s and GG Jackson’s absences have opened up opportunities for rookie Jaylen Wells, who has locked down a place in the starting lineup.

Williams Jr. just can’t stay healthy. He was only able to play in a few games after missing the start of the year with a stress reaction in his tibia, and now he’ll be sidelined until at least Christmas with an ankle injury. Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia are among the players that should see extra minutes with Williams out of the lineup for a while, but Taylor Jenkins’ rotations tend to be too inconsistent to say who will benefit the most.

Memphis’ burgeoning injury report opens up minutes for Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia. Kennard is useful as a three-point streamer, and LaRavia (1.4 steals, 1.8 blocks over his last five games) can be deployed as a defensive specialist.

Williams played seven minutes in the first half of Tuesday’s game, accounting for four points and five rebounds. Jake LaRavia replaced the Wizards wing at the time of his injury and should play additional minutes in the second half.

After missing the first month of the season with a stress fracture in his tibia, Williams Jr. was finally able to suit up for the first time since March. However, he was able to make an immediate impact. In 24 minutes, he was able to contribute three stocks, and they outscored the Warriors by seven points when he was on the floor. Williams Jr. was part of the team’s closing lineup, and he should eventually make a return to the starting lineup. He’s rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues but should be picked up everywhere before he gets back to playing a full role.

Williams Jr. suffered this injury in September, so he will be available to play for the first time this season in this game. He was excellent last year when the Grizzlies were dealing with all of their injuries. He’ll likely be brought along slowly, so managers should temper their expectations for this game. However, he should be added if he’s sitting on the waiver wire in your league.

Williams has yet to appear in a game this season, but that could change on Friday. Fantasy managers should not expect too much from him early on, but the playmaking ability will come in handy with Ja Morant (hip) sidelined.

While Williams’ continued absence will not impact the Grizzlies’ rotation, as he hasn’t appeared in a game this season, the same can’t be said for Clarke. His absence opens up a place in the starting lineup, likely for Zach Edey. Edey played good minutes when used in a reserve role, and his fantasy value will be boosted if he’s moved into the starting lineup.

Injured during the offseason, Williams is getting closer to a return to game action. Based on the doubtful tag, it appears unlikely that he’ll play against the Lakers. The Grizzlies end Week 4 with games against the Warriors (Friday) and Nuggets (Sunday).

Williams averaged 10.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in 2023-24. He started in 33 contests. With GG Jackson (foot) already sidelined, this was an opportunity for Williams to cement his place within the Grizzlies rotation further. Vince’s absence opens up additional opportunities for Jake LaRavia, who has only played 70 games in his first two seasons.