Nick Calathes has reportedly been suspended 20 games.  (USATSI)
Nick Calathes has reportedly been suspended 20 games. (USATSI)

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Update 11:40 p.m.: The league announced the suspension for Calathes. His 20-game suspension begins Saturday.

Yahoo Sports reports that Memphis Grizzlies point guard Nick Calathes has been suspended 20 games for violation of the NBA Anti-Drug policy. 

The suspension comes on the eve of the Grizzlies' Game 1 on the road vs. Oklahoma City in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Against a fast, talented team in the Thunder, Memphis needed Calathes who improved from early struggles to show significant ability in running a team and providing a spark. Beno Udrih should get his minutes, but has rarely played with Memphis after being signed after the Knicks waived him.

Calathes averaged 4.9 points and 2.9 assists per game (10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per 36 minutes) for Memphis this season.