They say a 0–3 deficit is a death sentence; for Memphis, it feels like the morgue door just swung open. Three straight beatdowns have warped FedExForum into a hall of broken mirrors—131–80, 118–99, 114–108—echoes of a season careening off the rails. Now, with Ja Morant’s hip contusion still sidling toward Game 4, even Dwight Howard’s cryptic tweet on X reads less like a troll and more like an obituary

Howard has long been the NBA’s self-appointed postseason prankster. His tradition is simple but hilarious. Whenever a team looks like they’re on the brink of elimination, he posts that iconic photo: him striking a Superman pose, chest puffed, arms folded to his waist. The meme lampoons his own legacy: Superman to the rescue. Last year, we saw him post the same image in a Lakers jersey after they were bounced, then came Milwaukee, Miami, the Timberwolves, and even Dallas, all victims of Dwight’s playoff humor.

Now, it’s Memphis‘ turn. Just three games into their series against the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder, Dwight took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted his usual Superman image, this time with just one word: “Memphis…” That’s it. No context, no emojis –  just Dwight being Dwight. The post sent fans into a laughter and speculation. Memphis has dramatically lost the first three games. A 131-80 blowout in Game 1, followed by 118-99 in Game 2, and a narrow 108-114 loss in Game 3 at home. The cause seems to be justified, and Dwight? He’s already lacing up his imaginary cape.

So, is this just Dwight poking fun, or is he trying to tell us something? For all the jokes, his timing is perfect. Memphis, being a star-studded team featuring Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Desmond Bane, just can’t seem to find its rhythm. With Dwight’s post hitting social media not long after their latest loss, it feels less like a coincidence. This time, it looks like a comedic prophecy: one that might come true sooner than Memphis fans would like.

Ja Morant: The heart of Memphis and the injury that could seal their fate

When you think of the Memphis Grizzlies, the first name that comes to mind is Ja Morant. He’s not just a point guard, he’s Memphis’ heartbeat. Morant’s athleticism and leadership have kept Memphis relevant through thick and thin this year. With all the roster shake-ups and injuries, Ja Morant has been the one consistent spark that gives fans hope.

But as disaster struck tonight, things are looking a bit different from the next game. Late in the first quarter of must-win Game 3, Morant crashed with OKC’s Lu Dort and went down clutching his hip after a hard fall. Medical staff rushed to his side and helped him off the court. Ja Morant was later ruled out for the remainder of the game. Team sources confirmed a left hip contusion, unlikely a season-ending injury. But this injury is enough to possibly keep him sidelined at a time when Memphis needs him most.

This blows a hole in Memphis’s hopes and leaves them teetering on the brink. Morant was their best shot at a comeback arc. Ja Morant is someone who could lead a 0-3 series reversal with athleticism and explosive playmaking. Now, with Ja likely out, Memphis may be forced to face the Thunder without their general. And honestly, that’s a big problem against a young OKC squad firing on all cylinders.

The Grizzlies’ season has been full of potential but is filled with inconsistency. Things didn’t go as planned during the off-season, and the team chemistry has been a problem since the beginning. Despite having one of the league’s most dynamic rosters on paper, the on-court execution just hasn’t done much to help. And now, their leader’s injury might be the final nail in the coffin. So when Dwight Howard says “Memphis…” maybe he’s not just being funny, maybe he sees what we all do – a team in trouble, and the clock running out.