With the Memphis Grizzlies' series against the Portland Trail Blazers back in Tennessee for Game 5, that meant Mike Conley was able to be with the team as they try to close things out.
Conley was injured by an errant C.J. McCollum elbow in Game 3, a blow that required surgery Monday to repair a facial fracture and install a metal plate in his face. While the team remains without a firm timetable for Conley's return - he's not expected to completely heal for four-to-six weeks - he may be able to return in the playoffs.
Simply having Conley around probably helps to lift the spirits of his teammates, and Conley himself seemed to be in a better mood than expected given his considerable injuries. Interviewed during the first quarter Wednesday, Conley explained his medical situation, showing off some nasty bruising to his left eye.
Mike Conley's eye looks...injured. pic.twitter.com/TTGNJqDr0h
— Eric Buenning (@ericbuenning) April 30, 2015
Despite not playing, Conley bought and gave away 500 tickets to Game 5 as a show of gratitude for the support he's received from fans.
Nick Calathes is starting in Conley's place, with Beno Udrih soaking up backup minutes. Memphis also swapped Jeff Green into the starting lineup for Tony Allen for Game 5 in an attempt to better balance offense and defense between units in Conley's stead.
In the first three games of the series, Conley averaged 16 points and 3.7 assists while shooting 50 percent and playing quality defense on Damian Lillard.
