The Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
The Memphis Grizzlies have an extensive injury report this week. Ja Morant is out indefinitely with knee soreness. Dillon Brooks has missed 21 games, and Melton and Green are back from injuries. The Memphis bench is also getting some help from some rookies, including Desmond Bane. Below we have a look at what to expect. This week’s Memphis Grizzlies injury report is broken down by position, as well as overall health.
Ja Morant is out with knee soreness
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is out with knee soreness. After Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies star limped off the court on crutches. Afterward, he was examined by doctors. The incident looked like it was intentional, as the Warriors’ Jordan Poole grabbed Morant’s knee. Morant declined to speak to reporters, but he did tweet to his followers that he had “broken the code.”
The Grizzlies announced that point guard Ja Morant is out for Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee late in the fourth quarter. The injury required the center to sit out the rest of the game and will keep him out of the playoffs for the rest of the postseason. However, it is unlikely Morant will miss Game 5, as he’s still not 100 percent. The Grizzlies can’t afford to lose this season because of injury.
Dillon Brooks is out 21 games
Dillon Brooks is out of the lineup for the Memphis Grizzlies. The rookie had a strong season, despite missing 21 games. He ranked second on the team in minutes played, 3rd in shot attempts, and first in points scored and steals. Moreover, Brooks took double-digit shots in 18 games, including the season finale. He also tallied 15 or more shots in eight games. However, his absence has come at a price.
In the postseason, Memphis needs to find a replacement for Dillon Brooks, who has missed the first three games of the series. The young guard is expected to miss at least one game of the series against the San Francisco Warriors, but that is not the only problem. Moreover, a healthy Brooks will not make the Memphis Grizzlies lose any game. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently 1-2 in the Western Conference, and they need to win Game 3 in San Francisco.
Melton and Green return from injury
The 76ers acquired shooting guard Jeff Melton and forward Danny Green from the Grizzlies on Thursday. The Sixers traded their No. 23 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft for Green and a conditional third-round pick for Melton. While Green is expected to be ready to return in the second half of the season, his future with the team is far from certain. Melton is a healthy, younger player who should improve offensive production.
Both Green and Melton are expected to play in the Wild Card Game, but their return will be delayed because of their injuries. The Bears had to start without the injured Green, but the injury to Melton is not serious, and the team is expecting him to be ready to go by Game 7. While the two starters will be missed for the remainder of the season, their availability could be a valuable boost for the team.
Desmond Bane has improved since he was injured
Bane has made significant improvements in terms of playmaking and decision-making, and he’s become more valuable on the offensive end. His shooting ability has been noticed by NBA opponents and defenses, but his increased offensive versatility is helping counteract those efforts. With Ja Morant out for the season with an injury, Memphis has turned to Bane to step in and play point guard. Bane has played a key role in the team’s recent success and could be a valuable asset in the playoffs.
The first two games of the series were a mixed bag for Bane. In Game 1, he was limited to two of nine shots from deep. He was held to 14 points in both games. Game three saw him hit four of seven shots, and he finished with 16 points. Unfortunately, the Warriors won Game 3 by 30 points, and Bane could not score in the final game of the series.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has opened the floor for Morant
The Grizzlies’ injury report is full of surprises. Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been averaging 14 points and seven assists per game this season, has opened the floor for Morant. Despite missing nine minutes, Jackson Jr., who has struggled with foul trouble, played well in the second half. The Grizzlies outscored the Hawks in the paint, 58-40. The Grizzlies’ defense was exposed by Atlanta’s 132 points, leaving Memphis in trouble. Whether Ja Morant is out or not is an unknown.
While it is not clear when Ja Morant will be available for Game 4, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s recent comments have fueled speculation about his availability. Earlier this week, Morant was listed as questionable for Game 4. Regardless of the outcome of Game 4, Tyus Jones would likely start in Morant’s place. John Konchar and De’Anthony Melton could see more playing time in Morant’s absence.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a spark for the Grizzlies’ offense
Despite the team’s recent struggles, Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a welcome addition. As the team’s second-highest scorer, Jackson has been a spark off the bench. His scoring touch is different from those of the organization’s other big men, including Brandan Wright and Stromile Swift. He has more offensive skills than either of them.
The Grizzlies have a slew of injuries on their roster, and JJJ has been stepping up in the absence of the injured Kevin Durant. In a blowout win over the Thunder, Jackson was a bright spot. He scored 21 points and drew eight assists. He shot 9-11 and was one of Memphis’ best scorers last month.
