Feb 15, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams (8) and guard Vince Williams Jr. (5) defend during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Key Player Ruled OUT in Grizzlies-Magic

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 6:38 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies headed into the All-Star break with a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers and lost their first game after the All-Star break against the Indiana Pacers. Now in the second half of their back-to-back, the Grizzlies will look to put their losing streak to an end against the Orlando Magic.

For Orlando, it's the opposite, as they are on a two-game winning streak in the second half of their back-to-back. After a strong start to the season, injuries to their leading scorers Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero pushed them down the standings. Injuries will play a factor tonight, as the Grizzlies are set to be without one of their top wings.

Status Update:

Vince Williams Jr. is out tonight at Orlando. https://t.co/98HQfQyMRm
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) February 21, 2025

According to Grizzlies PR, Vince Williams Jr. has been downgraded from questionable to out due to left knee soreness. Williams has battled injuries all season long, appearing in only seven of the team's 55 games.

Williams was a second-round pick out of VCU in 2022 but didn't earn his spot in the Grizzlies rotation till last season when he started 33 of his 52 games and averaged 10.0 points and 5.6 rebounds. While Williams still looks to be a valuable piece for Memphis going forward, his inability to stay healthy has held him back this season.

Game Day in Orlando

@FDSN_Grizzlies
@929espn
6:00pm
@OrlandoMagic
@FDSportsbook pic.twitter.com/MJtCOt5qLw
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) February 21, 2025