Jaxson Hayes’ worrisome injury update ahead of Grizzlies clash

New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes is questionable to play in Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a right ankle sprain.

Hayes suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He was seen limping off the court and did not return.

The Pelicans have not yet ruled Hayes out for Friday’s game, but he is likely to be a game-time decision.

If Hayes is unable to play, Willy Hernangomez is expected to start in his place.

Hernangomez has started 10 games for the Pelicans this season, averaging 7.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

The Pelicans are currently 29-31 and in ninth place in the Western Conference. They are 1.5 games behind the eighth-place Los Angeles Lakers.

The Grizzlies are 36-23 and in third place in the Western Conference. They are one game behind the second-place Denver Nuggets.

The Pelicans and Grizzlies will tip off at 7 p.m. CT on Friday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.