Two Grizzlies Ruled Out Of Season Due To A Brutal Injury Leaving Them In Ton Of Pains…
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the New Orleans Pelicans once more in a span of seven days. Although the Grizzlies’ injury list is still quite lengthy, some players are getting better.
The Grizzlies have eight players listed on their injury report: Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, GG Jackson, Luke Kennard, John Konchar, Jake LaRavia, Derrick Rose, and Marcus Smart.
The following players are out: Steven Adams (right knee PCL surgery), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tendon repair), GG Jackson (G League two-way), Luke Kennard (left knee bone bruise), John Konchar (available) (left thumb strain), Jake LaRavia (out due to G League assignment), Derrick Rose (left hamstring strain), and Marcus Smart (questionable) (left foot sprain). Ja Morant appears to be free.
The New Orleans Pelicans have three players listed on their injury report: Larry Nance Jr., Matt Ryan, and Cody Zeller. Larry Nance is doubtful due to a right rib fracture, Matt Ryan is out due to right elbow surgery, and Cody Zeller is questionable due to a right ankle sprain. Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum are all listed as available.
This team’s last meeting with the other was during Ja Morant’s return game. One that featured a buzzer-beater finish and a 20-point comeback. The Pelicans will definitely remember that when they play the Grizzlies tonight.
The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans play at 8:00 p.m. EST.
The Memphis Grizzlies are beginning to come together piece by piece and appear to be the team that was always meant to be. They’re going to get another key starter back in Marcus Smart, and they’ve already gone 3-0 since Ja Morant’s return.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins revealed to the media that Marcus Smart is actually in the final stages of his return.
“Marcus is at the final stages,” Jenkins said on Saturday. “He had one play-group this morning. Really responded well, looked good. Obviously getting his game legs is probably going to be the next thing, but I think everything is feeling good with the foot, so we’re hopeful next game that he is available to go.”
Since Smart hasn’t played a single game with Ja Morant, it will be interesting to watch how the Grizzlies manage to get a new roster member used to playing next to Morant. Ja Morant at point guard, Marcus Smart at shooting guard, and Desmond Bane at small forward would be the expected starting lineup—or some variation of it. Because Bismack Biyombo plays a limited center role and both Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. played with Ja Morant previously, it wasn’t as difficult to incorporate him into the current lineup.
Things are starting to get fun for Memphis Grizzlies fans, and it looks like it’s only going to be better.