A two-game losing streak has the Memphis Grizzlies stumbling at the wrong time as they have fallen to the Western Conference's fourth seed. Losing two straight at home during a five-game homestand definitely wasn't in the plans, but back-to-back losses on the final possessions of the game have the Grizzlies searching for answers to get back on the winning side.
After losing their first game against a sub-500 team for the first time since November, the Grizzlies welcome the sub-500 Atlanta Hawks to town. The Hawks are currently sitting in the ninth spot of the Eastern Conference standings with a 27-33 record in a conference whose current seventh- and eighth-seeded teams also have losing records.
While the Grizzlies haven't suffered a three-game losing streak this season and are 12-3 against Eastern Conference under 500, tonight presents a good opportunity for them to get back on the winning track. However, they have a couple of injuries to key players that were listed as questionable ahead of tonight's game whose status has been determined.
Ja Morant is out vs the Hawks
The Grizzlies' star point guard will miss his second straight game with shoulder soreness after being a late addition to the injury report ahead of their loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Also, Ja Morant missed the Grizzlies' first game against the Atlanta Hawks, which was won by Memphis on December 21st.
Morant has had the same right shoulder injury since taking a hard screen from Pelicans center Daniel Theis in their victory over New Orleans on December 27th. He missed five consecutive games after that hit and later missed two games in late January/early February after reaggravating it during a practice.
After not participating in shooting drills during the Grizzlies' media viewing portion of their shootaround this morning, the writing was on the wall for Morant to be ruled out. Judging by previous games missed by Morant with Desmond Bane available, the Grizzlies will likely start Bane and Luke Kennard in the backcourt in his absence.
Santi Aldama is out vs the Hawks
To keep with their theme of late additions, Santi Aldama was ruled out for their battle against the Atlanta Hawks. Aldama was added to the injury report following shootaround this morning with right calf soreness.
The Grizzlies added GG Jackson to the injury report late Friday before he was ruled out vs the Knicks and added Ja Morant to the injury report late on Saturday before he was ruled out vs the Spurs. Aldama has played 14 straight games and has been one of the best bench players in the NBA this season.
Look for the Grizzlies to play GG Jackson a little more while also giving some playing time to either Lamar Stevens (signed to second 10-day contract) or Marvin Bagley III in place of Aldama.