Injuries after injuries, the New Orleans Pelicans‘ notorious injury bug is resistant to everything. It is no different for the Memphis Grizzlies as well. Despite dealing with a string of health setbacks, Ja Morant and Co. have managed to impress in the cutthroat Western Conference this season. Riding a four-game winning streak, they’ve climbed to a 12-7 record, securing the 4th seed. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the Pelicans.

They are dead last in the Western Conference. They’ve lost 6 consecutive matchups! The Grizzlies have stayed competitive despite Ja Morant‘s absence, thanks to strong performances from their bench. Leading the charge has been Scotty Pippen Jr., who shined in last weekend’s road game against Chicago, scoring a career-high 30 points while snagging 10 assists.

On the other hand, during Wednesday’s 119-93 blowout loss to the Raptors, Pelicans fans voiced their frustration, booing as the team trailed by 30 in the third quarter! Reflecting on the defeat, New Orleans coach Willie Green didn’t hold back. “We allowed a team to come on our home floor and make us look soft,” he said. “I told our group that can’t happen. That was a lack of competition.“

Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray made his long-awaited return to the court after being sidelined for 17 games with a fractured left hand. The injury, which he sustained in the season opener against Chicago on October 23, had kept him out for over a month.

Let us take a look at both teams’ injury reports and their depth charts.

Will Ja Morant make a comeback and lead his team to victory?

Ja Morant played on Monday against the Blazers but was ruled out for the Pistons game on Wednesday. He is listed as probable for Friday’s game against the Pels. This designation suggests Morant is likely to suit up after missing the Pistons clash. Earlier, he sat out for 8 games recovering from a hip injury. With the Grizzlies aiming for consistency, having Ja back in action is critical for their success.

Zach Edey, the rookie big man, is out for this matchup. He has been out ever since he sprained his ankle against the Nuggets. “Coach Taylor Jenkins said Tuesday that Edey (ankle) went through imaging that looked promising, though he should be considered week-to-week moving forward,” Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported. Before we get to the other injuries, here’s a quick look at the team’s depth chart.

GG Jackson II has been sidelined since the summer after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during a workout. The Memphis Grizzlies shared last Thursday that Vince Williams sustained a Grade 3 sprain in his right ankle and will undergo re-evaluation in about four weeks. He remains out as well. So, what’s the situation with their opposition now?

Can the Zion Williamson-less Pelicans snap an embarrassing losing streak?

With their sights set, Memphis faces a struggling New Orleans team. The Pelicans, hampered by injuries, have had a rough November, winning just 2 games. Brandon Ingram has been dealing with an ankle sprain and calf soreness, causing him to miss three of the past four games. As the Pelicans hit the road for a three-game stretch, he is classified as questionable for Friday’s clash with the Grizzlies.

Jordan Hawkins’ availability for Friday’s matchup with the Grizzlies is also questionable as he deals with soreness in his lower back. Jamal Cain (right ankle sprain) and Trey Murphy (left knee contusion) are also listed as questionable against the Grizzlies.

Zion Williamson (hamstring) isn’t expected to return anytime soon, and there’s still no clear timeline for his recovery.

“I am told [Zion] Williamson is not remotely close to coming back… Typically, it’s a 4-6 week injury… but the Pelicans are bracing for him to be out beyond that point. I am told he has received multiple injections in that hamstring,” Shams Charania of ESPN stated.

Considering his injury history, this update isn’t shocking, but it’s definitely disappointing. The Pelicans are bracing for his absence to likely stretch well into mid-December. He remains out. Joining him on the bench would be Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), and Karlo Matkovic (G League on assignment). They all remain out as well.

So who do you think will reach deep into their roster and showcase their depth and its capability? Will the Pelicans step up or will it be an easy-peasy win for the Grizzlies?