The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves on the edge as they take a three-game losing streak into their battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. They are the first team since the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2002 season to lose three straight games by two points or less on an opponent's game-winning shot in the last six seconds of the game.
Bad luck? Maybe, but the late-game execution hasn't been the best by either the coach or the players. However, they will need to figure things out quickly if they want to beat the best team in the West that has a seven-game winning streak against them that dates back to December 2022.
The Thunder have come a long way in a short timeframe from the team the Grizzlies broke an NBA record on by beating them 152-79 in what is the largest margin of victory ever in December 2021. However, the Grizzlies haven't come a long way in the injury department as they have now lost Jaren Jackson Jr. to a week-to-week diagnostics after suffering an ankle sprain against the Atlanta Hawks.
While they know Jackson Jr. will be out, they needed good news on the injury front of their superstar point guard and top reserve forward who figures to replace Jaren's production in the meantime.
Ja Morant is available against the Thunder
After missing their last two games due to a deltoid contusion to his shooting shoulder, Ja Morant will return to give the team some hope against the surging Oklahoma City Thunder. His presence will be needed as the Grizzlies look to snap a three-game losing streak while simultaneously gaining a confidence boost by beating an opponent that feels unbeatable at times.
Morant was spotted making shot attempts during the Grizzlies' shootaround this morning, setting the stage for an upgrade to his being available for tonight's matchup. With Jackson Jr. out it was a must that the Grizzlies had Ja Morant return to even have a puncher's chance at defeating the Thunder at home.
Santi Aldama is out vs the Thunder
Santi Aldama was a late addition to the Grizzlies' injury report before their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. The calf soreness he sustained has carried over tonight as he will miss his second consecutive game.
The loss of Aldama is a blow to the Grizzlies frontcourt that allowed 82 points in the paint to the Atlanta Hawks after Jaren Jackson Jr. went down. After being dominated on the boards in their last matchup against the Thunder one month ago, the Grizzlies will likely look to a combination of GG Jackson and Lamar Stevens to close that gap.