MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 31, 2025: The Memphis Grizzlies finally got some reinforcement in the paint Tuesday night, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win in a chaotic shootout at FedExForum. Australian center Jock Landale made his return to the lineup after a two-game absence due to a right calf strain, logging 18 minutes in a heartbreaking 139-136 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Before tip-off, Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo signaled optimism, noting that Landale was “trending towards playing” despite being listed as questionable earlier in the day. With starting center Zach Edey and key reserve Brandon Clarke still sidelined, Landale’s presence was a critical necessity for a Memphis team running thin on big men.
A “Mixed Bag” Performance
Thrust immediately into the fire against Joel Embiid, Landale’s return was described as a “mixed bag”. He finished with six points on 3-of-7 shooting and pulled down three rebounds. While he struggled to find his rhythm early missing his first three attempts from deep he showed flashes of the physical screening and hustle that made him a key offseason acquisition.
The rust was evident, but so was the fire. In a bizarre third-quarter sequence, Landale had a shot blocked at the rim that he furiously argued was goaltending. He managed to grab the rebound and score on the putback, but his subsequent outburst at the official earned him a technical foul.
“Landale has shot well on the year… but you have to think, coming back from injury, it’ll take him a little bit of time to find the rhythm,” noted the broadcast team during the game.
Frontcourt Crisis Continues
Landale’s return comes at a pivotal moment for the Grizzlies, who have been forced to play small-ball with Santi Aldama at center due to the injuries to Edey and Clarke. Although Landale provides a “traditional big body” to absorb physical play, his minutes were managed carefully Tuesday night, playing only a two-minute stint in the fourth quarter before sitting out the remainder of the contest.
Despite the loss, Landale’s availability is a positive sign for Iisalo, who has emphasized “toughness and fundamentals” as the team navigates a brutal stretch of the schedule. The Grizzlies will need him to ramp up quickly as they look to snap their current skid and climb back above .500.
