The Memphis Grizzlies will be facing the Houston Rockets in a crucial Western Conference matchup. Both teams are positioned near the top of the standings, with the Rockets currently in second place at 25-12, slightly ahead of the Grizzlies, who sit in third at 25-14. This game is crucial for both teams, as it has the potential to shift the balance of power in the Western Conference standings. It will be the second meeting in just four days between the two, following Houston’s narrow 119-115 victory on Thursday. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Ja Morant and his availability, as his presence could play a pivotal role in the outcome.

As the Grizzlies prepare for the game tonight, their injury report presents some notable updates. Ja Morant, the team’s star point guard is currently listed as questionable due to an illness, and joining him, from the back-court is the center Jay Huff, also listed as day-to-day with left knee soreness. On Houston’s side, Tari Eason will be out for the game with a lower leg injury.

What does Ja Morant’s potential absence mean for the Grizzlies?

Ja Morant has been a key player for the Grizzlies this season, averaging 21.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. His explosive playmaking, combined with Jaren Jackson Jr.’s strong performances, has helped Memphis become the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 123.0 points per game. Morant, in particular, has been more aggressive recently, taking 21.8 field goal attempts per game in the past five games.

However, the Rockets have been solid on defense, ranking 3rd in the NBA with points allowed, limiting opponents to 107.1 per game. They also excel at grabbing rebounds, especially on the defensive end, with Alperen Sengun averaging a double-double with 19.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, the Rockets have a strong perimeter game, with Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet hitting significant three-pointers.

Both teams are in the top two for offensive rebounds, which suggests this game could be full of second-chance opportunities. Even if Ja Morant’s suits up tonight, one of the challenges the Grizzlies might face is that his shooting percentage tends to drop when he’s on the road. And with their strong defense, the Rockets might limiting his scoring opportunities. The Grizzlies’ offensive pace could be slowed down by the Rockets who can slower the game tempo, limiting Memphis’s fast-break opportunities.

Depth Charts for both the teams

Memphis Grizzlies’ depth chart:

Houston Rockets’ depth chart:

As the game draws nearer, one pressing question looms: Will Ja Morant take the court for Memphis, and if so, what impact will he have? His status could be a deciding factor in the Grizzlies’ performance, particularly against a well-coached Rockets team that has already claimed a victory this week. Fans are anxiously awaiting any updates on Morant’s availability, fully aware that his presence could tilt the momentum in this highly anticipated Western Conference showdown.