SUMMARY
- Ja Morant, the star guard of the Memphis Grizzlies, returned after a 25-game suspension and made a significant impact on the team's performance.
- Ja Morant was listed as questionable before a game against the Denver Nuggets but ended up not playing.
The star guard of the Grizzlies has made several headlines with his majestic gameplay. This achievement becomes even more important as the player has graced the floor after a 25-game suspension. The point guard made his debut in the 2023–24 season on December 19, 2023, against the New Orleans Pelicans and threw in stellar box scores.
Starting with a mighty 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists, Ja Morant led the team to four consecutive wins. The Grizzlies are standing at No. 13 in the Western Conference with 10 wins and 20 losses. The roster struggled without Morant, and since his return, the team has been riding on a four-game winning streak. However, Morant’s injury might push the team into the same rut again.
Ja Morant is out for the Clippers vs. Grizzlies game
Ja Morant was listed as questionable before facing off against the Denver Nuggets on December 28, 2023. The player ended up not playing in the game, and that’s when fate hit the roster. The Grizzlies stood at 4-0 with Morant in the starting five; however, the team couldn’t sustain the record even for a single game without him.
Although the specific reason for ruling out the player hasn’t been mentioned so far, Morant won’t be playing against the Clippers. Adding to the stress, Derrick Rose is also out owing to a hamstring injury, with no information about a potential return to the hardwood. The list is quite lengthy for the sluggish Grizzlies this season as the half-healthy roster tries to find its way around the league.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report:
- Luke Kennard (questionable)
- Ja Morant (out)
- Derick Rose (out)
- Santi Aldama (out)
- Brandon Clarke (out)
Memphis Grizzlies Expected Lineup:
- Ja Morant
- Marcus Smart
- Desmond Bane
- Jaren Jackson
- Bismack Biyombo
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report:
- Moussa Diabate (questionable)
- Kawhi Leonard (questionable)
- Mason Plumlee (Out)
Los Angeles Clippers Expected Lineup:
- James Harden
- Terance Mann
- Paul George
- Kawhi Leonard
- Ivica Zubac
Will the Grizzlies survive against the Clippers without Ja Morant?
The Clippers are standing at No. 4 in the Western Conference with 18 wins and 12 losses. While the Grizzlies might find it difficult to stay afloat without Ja Morant, the Clippers have been going full throttle lately with James Harden on the roster. Even the fans seem inclined towards the Clippers’ victory in the game, as the roster only has three players on the injury list.
Kawhi Leonard is down with a hip injury and might not play the last game of the year. Whether the Memphis Grizzlies stay on their course without Ja Morant or the incomplete roster might witness a 180-degree shift in the game, it is yet to be seen on December 29, 2023, against the James Harden-led Clippers.