The Memphis Grizzlies picked a bad time to have their worst losing streak of the season as they take a three-game losing streak into their nationally televised matchup at home against the 50-11 Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. The Thunder won their first two matchups this season by double-digit points, including a 13-point defeat in Memphis on February 8th.
Tonight's matchup includes two of the top five scoring teams in the NBA with Memphis tied for first with 123.3 points and Oklahoma City ranked fourth with 119 points per game. This will also represent the third of four meetings between the teams, with the last game happening on March 27th in Oklahoma City.
How to watch Thunder at Grizzlies
Previously, this game was only available exclusively through regional broadcasts and NBA League Pass. However, the NBA announced that this Thunder at Grizzlies game would be televised by ESPN, with the game time changed from 7:00 PM CST to 8:30 PM CST on February 26th.
The late start time marks the second time the Grizzlies will have a start time of 8:30 PM CST local time at home this season. Streaming options to watch include FuboTV and Youtube TV for those without cable.
Injury Report
After reaching full health status for a couple of games, the first being their last matchup against the Thunder, the Grizzlies injury list is looking very murky. The consistent Jaren Jackson Jr. sprained his left ankle Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks and has been ruled out as week-to-week with a grade 2 ankle sprain.
Ja Morant has missed the team's last two games and is considered questionable with a right deltoid contusion. Santi Aldama, who missed the Grizzlies' last game against the Hawks, is listed as questionable with right calf soreness. Also, Scotty Pippen Jr. and John Konchar are listed as questionable with left toe soreness and right knee soreness, respectively.
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Ja Morant and Santi Aldama were both spotted at the team's shootaround this morning, which could prove to be a good sign for their status tonight. The Thunder will be without Alex Caruso due to a left ankle sprain, Chet Holmgren due to a right lower leg contusion, and Aaron Wiggins is questionable with a right thumb sprain.
Matchup to Watch For:
Desmond Bane vs Jalen Williams
The obvious answer here would've been Ja Morant vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but the uncertainty surrounding Ja Morant's status to play tonight's game shifts it to the wing players. Desmond Bane and Jalen Williams are both considered apart of their team's big three and will likely be the matchup that determines who wins a potential playoff series between these two teams.
Desmond Bane is coming off posting his first career triple-double with a season-high of 35 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against the Atlanta Hawks. The Grizzlies will need a similar performance to pull off the upset if Ja Morant is ultimately ruled out.
Jalen Williams, the first time All-Star, enters this matchup scoring 20+ points in five consecutive games, including 41 points on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs. Without Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies will likely need Desmond Bane to match or surpass Williams' productive even if Ja Morant is available to play.