2 Xavier Tillman PF

Tillman started at center and posted 12 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one steal in 29 minutes Monday in the Grizzlies' 108-104 win over the Suns.

The rookie second-round pick moved up to the top unit for the first time in his young career while Jonas Valanciunas (COVID-19 health and safety protocols) was sidelined. Given the bump in playing time he received, Tillman's output was slightly underwhelming, but he'll have some short-term streaming value if he continues to approach 30 minutes in any future games Valanciunas might miss. The Grizzlies have yet to comment on Valanciunas' availability beyond Monday's contest, so consider him questionable for Wednesday's game in Portland.

Tillman will start Monday's game against the Suns, Rob Fischer of Fox Sports Southeast reports.

With Jonas Valanciunas (COVID-19 protocols) ruled out, Tillman will make the first start of his young NBA career. The 2020 second-round pick saw a season-high 28 minutes against the Sixers on Saturday, and he finished that contest with 15 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists.

Tillman posted a career-high 15 points (7-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt) to go with four rebounds, four steals and two assists across 28 minutes Saturday in the Grizzlies' 106-104 win over the 76ers.

Since making his NBA debut Jan. 3 after a delayed start due to left patellar tendinitis, Tillman hasn't needed long to establish himself as the Grizzlies' backup center. In less than two weeks, the rookie has knocked Gorgui Dieng out of the rotation, and he cut into starter Jonas Valanciunas' playing time Saturday. While Valanciunas battled foul trouble, Tillman stepped up to deliver the best stat line of his young career, establishing new personal highs in points and steals. Tillman remains an interesting asset in dynasty leagues, but his ceiling in redraft formats likely will be suppressed while he's part of a frontcourt that includes Valanciunas, Brandon Clarke and soon, Jaren Jackson (knee).

Tillman (kneecap) logged 17 minutes off the bench Sunday in the Grizzlies' 108-94 loss to the Lakers, contributing six points (3-3 FG) and six rebounds.

The rookie second-round pick was sidelined for the Grizzlies' first five games of the season while recovering from left patellar tendinitis, but he finally received clearance to make his NBA debut Sunday. Working as the backup to starting power forward Brandon Clarke, Tillman turned in a solid outing, though he'll likely have a difficult path to earning more minutes. Playing time will be even more difficult to come by for Tillman once the Grizzlies get the likes of Jaren Jackson (knee) and Ja Morant (ankle) back from injury.

Tillman (kneecap) is available for Sunday's game against the Lakers, Evan Barnes of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Tillman was considered questionable due to left patellar tendinitis, but he could make his season debut Sunday. The rookie second-round pick is unlikely to be a significant factor in Memphis' rotation.

Tillman (kneecap) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lakers.

Tillman has yet to take the court while recovering from left patellar tendinitis. However, he may be able to debut Sunday.

Tillman (kneecap) is out Friday against the Hornets.

Tillman has yet to make his debut. His next chance to do so is Sunday against the Lakers.

Tillman (kneecap) is out for Wednesday's game against the Celtics.

Left patellar tendonitis has prevented Tillman from making his NBA debut. He'll be out Wednesday, with his next chance to play arriving Friday against the Hornets.

Tillman (knee) won't play Monday against the Nets.

Tillman didn't play during the preseason and will now miss the first three games of the regular season due to a knee issue. A timetable for his return still hasn't been established.

Tillman (knee) is out Saturday against the Hawks.

Knee soreness continues to keep Tillman on the shelf. He should be considered day-to-day moving forward.

Tillman (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's season opener against the Spurs.

Tillman missed all three preseason contests due to the knee issue and isn't ready to play in the season opener. It's unclear how long Tillman is expected to be sidelined.

Tillman (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Hawks.

The 21-year-old was considered doubtful for Monday's exhibition before sitting out and will be sidelined for the second straight game. Tillman has yet to be ruled out for Saturday's preseason finale versus Atlanta.