Memphis Grizzlies star a game-time decision vs Suns

2023-24 has been a season marred by significant absences and injuries for the Memphis Grizzlies, with key contributors such as Ja Morant, Steven Adams, and Brandon Clarke all currently found sidelined for varying reasons.

Though the hope coming into the year was that as time rolled along the club would steadily see their active roster come closer to being at full strength, a month in it appears the exact opposite is happening, with players dropping like flies as a result of health-related ailments.

Just recently, the team saw another name placed on their injury report, as Desmond Bane has officially been listed as "questionable" for Friday night's bout against the Phoenix Suns due to a left foot sprain, as per the NBA's official injury report.

Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane 'questionable' for game vs Suns

With Morant serving out his 25-game suspension for partaking in conduct deemed detrimental to the league, Bane has been tasked with serving as the go-to option for the Grizzlies thus far into the year.

Despite what their lackluster 3-11 record may suggest, the 25-year-old has produced quite well in this new role, as he's found himself posting stellar per-game averages of 25.6 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and just shy of a block while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from distance.

With this brand of production, many are suggesting that the two-guard could wind up thrusting himself into his first All-Star nod.

While his presence would be sorely missed on this already struggling Grizzlies squad, if he were to sit out against Phoenix one should expect coach Taylor Jenkins to lean heavily on the likes of Jacob Gilyard, Derrick Rose, and even John Konchar for backcourt production while emphasizing 2022-23 All-Star big Jaren Jackson Jr. as the defacto go-to scoring option on the night.