
via Imago
Mar 9, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

via Imago
Mar 9, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Alright, folks, welcome to the Ja Morant Redemption Tour 2025—if that’s even a thing. The Memphis Grizzlies are staring down a 2-0 hole against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and let’s be honest, things have been ugly. After an embarrassing 118-99 loss in Game 2, the Grizzlies are one Ja turnover away from Cancun. The big question on everyone’s mind? Is Ja Morant playing tonight?
Because let’s not sugarcoat it—Game 2 was a disaster. The Grizzlies didn’t just lose, they got outclassed, outpaced, and outcoached. Ja dropped 23 points, sure, but when OKC’s hitting 18 threes and treating your defense like a layup line, it’s like tossing a glass of water on a forest fire. Oklahoma City looked like they were playing speed chess while Memphis was stuck on checkers. It’s not a Ja problem—it’s an everybody problem.
Yup. He’s playing. Unless he manages to injure himself in warmups doing a 360 windmill for no reason, he’s lacing up for Game 3. No drama, no surprises—Ja is good to go. And Memphis better be grateful, because they’re running out of lifelines fast. But that’s not the only news here.
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Final.
Defend Ho〽️e Court
Games 3 & 4 🎟️: https://t.co/pPgZfFbEyW pic.twitter.com/gRusgo3FAW
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 23, 2025
Just like Ja, everybody’s healthy. Desmond Bane’s doing what he can, Jaren Jackson Jr. is still a walking block party, and there are no names on the injury report. So, Memphis has bodies. What they need now is buckets, ball movement, and a hint of defensive effort. Because what have they rolled out so far? That ain’t it.
Now let’s talk depth. Because if this series is gonna turn around, it’s not just Ja Morant who needs to go nuclear. Somebody else has to step up and say, “Hey, maybe we don’t get blown out by 30 again tonight.”
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Memphis Grizzlies Depth Chart vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Here’s how the Grizzlies are lining up tonight—at least in theory. Their depth doesn’t just look nice on paper; it will show up in 4K on the hardwood, too.
What’s your perspective on:
Can Ja Morant single-handedly save the Grizzlies, or does the team need a complete overhaul?
Have an interesting take?
POSITION | STARTER | 2nd UNIT | 3rd UNIT |
PG | Ja Morant | Scotty Pippen Jr. | Luke Kennard |
SG | Scotty Pippen Jr. | Luke Kennard | Desmond Bane |
SF | Desmond Bane | John Konchar | Vince Williams Jr. |
PF | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Santi Aldama | Lamar Stevens |
C | Zach Edey | Marvin Bagley III | Jaren Jackson Jr. |
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So, yeah, Memphis isn’t short on bodies—they’re short on buckets, ball movement, and defensive answers. You can have depth, but if no one steps up when Ja draws triple-teams, it’s just five warm bodies on the floor waiting for the next Thunder highlight.
Bottom line: Ja Morant is healthy. The full roster is suited up. There are no excuses left to dig up. If Memphis wants to keep their playoff hopes alive, they’ve gotta play like it. Game 3 isn’t just a game—it’s a vibe check. Either they respond, or they get run out of the gym again. Let’s see if they’ve got the guts to flip the script.
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Can Ja Morant single-handedly save the Grizzlies, or does the team need a complete overhaul?