Ja Morant has certainly surprised the entire world with his performances lately. Despite having a troublesome off-season, the point guard doesn’t seem like he missed out on playing at all. Since his return, the Memphis Grizzlies have achieved a 4-0 record. They currently rank 13th in the Western Conference with a record of 10 wins and 19 losses. Morant and the Grizzlies have a lot of catching up to do.
AYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/hwVXbU5UY7
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 27, 2023
Their opponents for the night will be the Denver Nuggets. They are currently making a run to be the top seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets rank third in the division with a record of 22 wins and 10 losses. A win against the Grizzlies may put Nikola Jokic and his team in first place. They will host the Grizzlies at the Ball Arena tonight.
Ja Morant is listed as questionable for the Nuggets vs. Grizzlies game
Ja Morant has been listed as questionable due to an illness in an unexpected turn of events. There has been an absurd outbreak of illnesses around the league as well. Derrick Rose (hamstring) and Luke Kennard (knee) will miss the game. The only update on Brandon Clarke is that he might return around the All-Star Weekend. Steven Adams will remain out for the time being.
The Nuggets recently received some horrible news as a dog attacked Aaron Gordon. He received a total of 21 stitches to treat the lacerations on his face and hands. He will remain out for the time being as well. Vlatko Cancar remains out indefinitely.
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about that Joker dunk 😉 pic.twitter.com/kuJQczbesZ
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 25, 2023
Denver Nuggets Injury Report:
- Aaron Gordon (Out)
- Vlatko Cancar (Out)
Denver Nuggets Expected Lineup:
- Jamal Murray
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Michael Porter Jr.
- Peyton Watson
- Nikola Jokic
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report:
- Derrick Rose (Out)
- Ja Morant (Questionable)
- Luke Kennard (Out)
- Brandon Clarke (Out)
- Steven Adams (Out)
Memphis Grizzlies Expected Lineup:
- Marcus Smart
- Desmond Bane
- Vince Williams Jr.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Bismack Biyombo
Will the Grizzlies survive against the Nuggets without Ja Morant?
Both these teams were battling it out last season for the top spot in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies have a few new pieces since then that have rendered themselves helpful in many ways. Marcus Smart and Bismack Biyombo have been massive defensive upgrades. However, missing out on Ja Morant’s 28.8 points per game will have its side effects.
ENERGY 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/AaxBgCXnfD
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 27, 2023
The Nuggets do not have to worry about their roster without Gordon in the lineup. They have a team that ranks fourth in the league in field goal percentage. Jokic has been continuing his reign over the league averaging 26.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Murray has also been a great scoring backup averaging 19.8 points per game. Overall, the Nuggets are the clear favorites in this one.