NBA Injury Report: Grizzlies Face Another Major Blow After Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart

Facing heartbreak after heartbreak, the Memphis Grizzlies fans had to brace for yet another blow. After Ja Morant tried to instill some hope into the Grizzlies camp, he suffered a torn Labrum that resulted in a season-ending surgery. Later, Marcus Smart injured a finger on his right hand. Fans pinned their hopes on Desmond Bane, but he too was unavailable for the game against the New York Knicks due to an ankle injury. The injury report had yet another disappointment in the form of Jaren Jackson Jr. as the Grizzlies faced the New York Knicks.

Despite the absence of starters in the line-up, the players of the Grizzlies tried to fight back fiercely in the recent games. But with one blow after another, injuries make the Grizzlies camp fall like a pack of cards.

The disappointment of Jaren Jackson Jr. for the Grizzlies

Grizzlies with a 14-24 record faced New York Knicks with a record of 22 wins and 16 losses. The former were ahead at the halftime with a narrow 57-53 score. Jaren Jackson Jr. was not available in the game due to a right knee contusion.

This season Jaren had an average of 21.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. In the game against the Clippers, he scored 21 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal. The reigning DPOY has had to don different hats for his team this season due to the absence of franchise talisman Ja Morant.

Though not a sharpshooter, he tried to fill in the vacuum left by the absence of starters. He assumed the greater role with confidence and had scored 20+ points in the last four games in a row. He was listed as doubtful due to the knee issue before the game against the Knicks and didn’t play subsequently. Despite the injuries, Grizzlies fought back strongly defeating Mavericks, Suns, and Lakers recently but the list of injuries seems to be ever-increasing.

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The long list of Grizzlies’ injuries

Desmond Bane and Ja Morant are out of the game, and other players are geared to take responsibility. But the injury list was long. Santi Aldama due to knee issues was out of the game for the New York Knicks. Marcus Smart underwent an MRI. He had shared that he had not fractured his finger but expected the MRI to reveal a tendon or ligament damage. Later the MRI revealed a severe injury that would keep him out of the game for approximately 6 weeks.

Derrick Rose too was out due to thigh soreness and is considered week to week. That is, he will be available after a few unspecified games. Further, Brandon Clark after tearing his Achilles is likely to make his season debut in the NBA All-Star break that will take place on February 16. Additionally, Steven Adams is going to have surgery on his right knee soon.

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