Grizzlies' Tony Allen off injury report, appears set to play Friday

Even during the holidays, grind takes no days off.

Tony Allen practiced with the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday and, more importantly, has been removed from the team's injury report. He had previously been listed as questionable for the team's Friday showdown with the Houston Rockets, but it appears the right corneal abrasion that has cost The Grindfather four games is no longer an issue.

Tayshaun Prince had been starting in Allen's place and would almost surely move back to a reserve role if Allen can go. The Grizzlies have lost three consecutive games for the first time all season with Allen out, so they'll likely want to restore their normal starting unit (assuming Zach Randolph, who is questionable, can play).

Allen would be tasked with helping to slow early MVP-candidate James Harden, who leads the league with 27 points per game. One of the league's premier perimeter defenders, Allen helped limit Harden to just 21 points when the teams squared off on Dec. 3.

In 22 games, Allen is averaging 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and two steals in 25.8 minutes, shooting 48.3 percent from the floor. Despite their improved wing depth behind him, the Grizzlies have been 7.4 points per-100 possessions better with Allen on the floor than without him.