The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in a precarious position as they gear up to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Memphis has lost three games straight games, causing an unfortunate downturn. Moreover, this comes at a crucial time, especially when they are going to lock horns against a top team in the conference. What makes these losses more agonizing is the fact that all of them collectively have been by a mere five-point difference!

Before the All-Star break, the Grizzlies held the second seed in a competitive Western Conference. However, they’ve managed just three wins in their last ten games. This poor form has now seen them drop to the fourth seed. So, any more slip-ups could very well be a serious cause of concern for their playoff aspirations. Well, so many injuries have not helped their cause with Ja Morant, and several other players missing games. Which brings us to the question: Will Ja Morant play tonight?

Memphis Grizzlies injury report ahead of a stern test at the FedExForum Arena

While the team hasn’t been able to perform well lately, the absence of their star point guard has just added to their misery. Ja Morant has already missed back-to-back games due to a shoulder injury. So, will the Grizzlies point guard suit up for tonight? Well, unfortunately, Morant is still on Memphis’ injury report and is ‘questionable’ for the clash. The possibility of him missing a third consecutive game will hamper the chances of the Grizzlies getting a favorable result against the Thunder.

So far, the 25-year-old has been great for the team, averaging 20.9 points, along with 4.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. Apart from his solid performances, when Ja Morant is not on the court Memphis seems to struggle a lot. Their poor 14-10 record without him on the court speaks for itself. However, their injury woes don’t end here! There’s a lot more. Well, if not having their point guard available wasn’t enough trouble, the Grizzlies will also be without another standout player– Jaren Jackson Jr. The forward has suffered from a Grade 2 ankle sprain and will be considered on a week-to-week basis.

It’s another heartbreaking news for Memphis and their fans. A Jackson Jr. is amidst a solid campaign averaging 22.7 points while shooting 49.7 percent from the field. Joining him on the sidelines are two Memphis guards, Zyon Pullin and Yuki Kawamura. Both of them are ruled out from tonight’s matchup. Kawamura is suffering from a hamstring injury keeping him out, whereas Pullin is absent due to a knee injury. Furthermore, there are a few players questionable for the Thunder game such as power forward Santi Aldama. The Spanish star is probable for the game due to a calf problem.

His absence might hurt even more because the Grizzlies are already without their other power forward Jackson Jr. Young guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is also on day-to-day after he suffered a toe injury. He’s been solid in rotation and will hope to suit up tonight if cleared by the medical staff. Lastly, John Konchar is questionable for the game due to soreness in his right knee. He’ll be a game-day decision for the Grizzlies staff. The one thing you might be wondering is–how will Memphis navigate through this injury crisis. Well, it will tough night for head coach Taylor Jenkins, to say the least.

How can the Memphis Grizzlies line up after being hard-hit by injuries?

While the Grizzlies will miss a lot of players, the most notable out of the bunch will be of starters– Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. So, it’s obvious that the Grizzlies HC will have to come up with a plan to fight against OKC. For that, he’ll have some help from players such as Desmond Bane. The shooting guard is playing some solid basketball averaging 18.6 points and 5.5 assists per game. Youngsters Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey will also have to show up tonight.

Here’s how the Grizzlies can start:

Ultimately, Memphis will be battling an uphill battle against OKC tonight. So, the Thunder should be able to come through with a win given how hard-hit by injuries the Grizzlies are. Also, the Memphis’ form doesn’t help their cause. Handling the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams should be too much of an ask. Nonetheless, you can always expect the unexpected in the NBA as we eagerly wait for the tip-off in Memphis.