Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen, who missed Game 5 of the series against the Golden State Warriors because a hamstring injury, said Friday morning he will play in Game 6 Friday night in Memphis, but will only be at about 60 percent.
Allen missed the final nine games of the regular season because of a hamstring injury before returning for the playoffs.
He played in the first four games of the series against Golden State and was major contributor on the defensive end. He helped minimize the effectiveness of Warriors guard Klay Thompson, and helped break up the Warriors’ offensive continuity. He has 24 steals in nine playoff games.
He is less effective on the offensive end, averaging 7.1 points in the postseason.
The Warriors rolled to an easy 98-78 victory in Game 5 with Allen in street clothes, giving the Warriors a 3-2 series lead.
“I’m ready to go out and help my team the best way I can,” Allen said Friday morning. “I’m definitely playing. I want to be in this battle with my teammates. I feel like my vocal leadership and my presence is a plus.”
Memphis coach Dave Joerger said Allen was rested in Game 5 to give him extra time to rehabilitate, but said the injury is “pretty severe” and will not heal completely until after the season.