The short-handed Memphis Grizzlies will square off against the struggling Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, December 31st. This game will have a big impact on the standings with the Grizzlies second behind the Thunder in the West while the Suns are currently 11th in the Conference but within striking distance.
Although Memphis is 7-3 in the last 10 games, the Thunder haven't lost a regular season game in December and are 11-0 thus far in the month. The Grizzlies picking up a road win against the Phoenix Suns would allow them to close the gap some and give them a better chance of overtaking the Thunder for the number one seed in the conference. However, they will be without several key players, potentially including their best player, Ja Morant.
Memphis Grizzlies full injury report
Currently, Morant is listed as out with a shoulder injury, but he isn't the only player on the injury report. Brandon Clarke may miss their game against OKC with a knee injury while Santi Aldama, Marcus Smart, and GG Jackson are all out.
Aldama is out with an ankle sprain, Smart has a tear in his index finger, Williams Jr. has a sprained ankle, and Jackson is still out after foot surgery. Zach Edey is also out with a concussion while Jake LaRavia is out with an ankle injury. Lastly, Yuik Kawamura is day-to-day with a shoulder injury.
Being without their best player and three rotation players will hurt and seriously impact their chances of snagging a road win against the Suns. Next, we will take a look at the Suns injury report and see who is in and who is out.
Phoenix Suns full injury report
As for the Suns, they will also be missing several rotation players. Grayson Allen and Devin Booker are both listed on their injury report with Allen entering the concussion protocol, and Booker having a groin injury. Bol Bol and Collin Gillespie will also likely not play due to a knee and ankle injury, respectively. Meanwhile, Royce O'Neale may not play against the Grizzlies with an ankle injury.
All in all, Morant will not play against the Suns, and the Grizzlies will be without several other rotation players. That will make it an uphill battle against the Suns. After they were blown out against the Thunder, they may face the same result with the Suns on New Years eve without Morant.