Kiwi basketballer Steve Adams has cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols and will be available to play against Golden State Warriors in game three of their western conference semi-final playoff series on Monday (NZ time).
Adams tested positive for COVID-19 during the first-round series against Minnestota Timberwolves, which the Grizzlies won 4-2.
Coach Taylor Jenkins chose not to utilise Adams - who started the majority of the regular season at centre - against the Timberwolves, favouring a small-ball line-up.
Jenkins didn't confirm whether Adams would re-enter his rotation for their first road game of the series against the Warriors. The series is currently tied 1-1.
But given the Warriors rebounding superiority through the first two games, Adams' prowess on the glass - particularly at the offensive end - may be a useful antidote.
"He's one of the few guys that's played pretty deep in the playoffs on our roster," Jenkins said.
"Obviously, he’s got a high IQ. He adds a lot of positives for us."
Adams was a big reason why the Grizzlies led the NBA in offensive rebounding, total rebounds and second-chance points during the regular season.
The Grizzlies will be without guard Dillon Brooks for game three, after he received a one-game suspension for his flagrant foul on the Warriors' Gary Payton II during game two.
The foul saw Brooks ejected in the opening stage of the game and left Payton II with a fractured elbow, ruling him out of the rest of the series.
