As the Grizzlies look to start their redemption season on a positive note, Coach Jenkins might just get some help from Ja Morant tonight. Memphis and the Heat are facing off for their preseason finale at FedEx Forum at 8:00 PM ET as they wrap up their five-game slate. Without further ado, let’s dive into the details.

While the Grizzlies’ injury list is long, Jenkins is likely to receive reinforcements from franchise star, Morant, and defensive leader, Marcus Smart. According to ESPN, both Smart and Morant “are expected to play in Friday’s preseason game versus the Heat, per Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian.”

Aside from these two, Luke Kennard seems to be “dealing with foot soreness in Monday’s preseason game against Indiana.” So, Kennard, at best, might be a game-time decision.  Jaren Jackson Jr. is ‘Out’ due to a hamstring injury. Coach Jenkins described it as a “low-grade hamstring strain.” However, he also noted that a solid update on Jackson can only be provided after two days of “high exposure” activities.

“If that all goes well, we should be on track,” the Grizzlies coach said, referring to the plan of Triple J’s availability for the season opener. Unfortunately, the rest of the injury report remains the same. Vince Williams Jr. (stress reaction in upper tibia), Cam Spencer (ankle sprain), and GG Jackson II (broken fifth metatarsal in right foot) also continue to rehab from their respective injuries.

Grizzlies vs. Heat: Depth chart and expected starting lineup

Both the Grizzlies and Heat are 3-1 heading into their final matchups of the preseason. Memphis’ lone loss occurred during their second game against the Hornets and, interestingly, Miami’s loss also came at the hands of the Hornets.

While the two will have enough chances (the Grizz will face Charlotte twice and the Heat, three times) to avenge themselves in the regular season. For now, let’s focus on Memphis’ depth chart.

Of course, we have already mentioned the players who are confirmed to be out. And considering the previous matchups, players like Jaylen Wells (SF), Yuki Kawamura (PG), and Miye Oni (SG/SF) are likely to see minutes.

• Moving on to the starting lineup, the Grizzlies’ starters could look something like this: Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, and Zach Edey.
• As for the Miami Heat, their starting lineup might go something like this: Pelle Larson, Nassir Little, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and Thomas Bryant.

This should be an interesting matchup to watch. Miami has decided to rest their regular starters tonight, so chances are Memphis should have the upper hand. Moreover, should Ja Morant suit up, it would give the team a pretty good idea of where he stands in terms of recovery.

In the meantime, if you are hungry for more basketball content, why don’t you check out the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.