Grizzlies’ Conley has fractured vertebrae

Memphis Grizzlies star guard Mike Conley will miss at least six weeks because of broken bones in his lower back. Conley was diagnosed Tuesday with transverse fractures in the vertebrae. He was hurt Monday night during a 104-85 loss to Charlotte after taking a charge from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Memphis’ leading scorer, Conley is averaging 19.2 points and 5.7 assists. He signed a five-year, $153-million contract in July to stay with the Grizzlies. Nowitzki to sit

Dirk Nowitzki will be out at least two more games with a right Achilles’ tendon injury that has contributed to the Dallas star’s missing 11 of the team’s first 16 games.