All Chandler Parsons wanted for Christmas was healthy knees, and it appears he will get his wish. The Memphis Grizzlies forward's left knee was healthy enough for him to participate in practice Monday, and he will be back in the lineup soon, via the Memphis Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery:


The Grizzlies play the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday and the Houston Rockets on Friday. It sounds like Parsons could make his return one of those nights, making Memphis pretty much whole -- when he comes back, its only significant injury will be rookie Deyonta Davis' torn plantar fascia, which will keep him out of the lineup for six to eight weeks.

Chandler Parsons takes some shots before a game
Chandler Parsons is close to getting back on the court. USATSI

The Grizzlies have earned a lot of praise this season for winning close games when undermanned. With Mike Conley and Parsons playing, everything changes. Their challenge now will be about integrating Parsons and trying to become an upper-echelon team, not simply trying to get through the next game intact.

The sobering reality for Memphis is that, despite its 18-11 record, the Grizzlies have the second-worst offensive rating in the league and a negative net rating. That's fine when you're nowhere near full strength, but more will be expected now. Parsons was signed to be the Grizzlies' missing link -- a shooter who can also create offense and play multiple positions -- so getting him fully healthy and comfortable is a top priority. It might also take Conley some time to get back up to speed -- in his first two games back, the guard has shot 5-for-23 and 1-for-12 from 3-point range.

You can envision a scenario where Conley gets back to his early-season form, Parsons gives Memphis exactly what it needs and coach David Fizdale's offense gives the team new life. The question is whether this group can stay healthy enough for all of that to happen this year. Getting Parsons back before Christmas is a positive sign.