NBA Injury Report: Ja Morant questionable, Joel Embiid out and more updates on Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro | January 8, 2023

Ja Morant, one of the NBA’s most exciting players, has been officially ruled questionable by the Memphis Grizzlies. He hasn’t missed a game since last Dec. 12 but is in danger of being out tonight against the Utah Jazz.

The reigning NBA Most Improved Player of the Year winner is dealing with right thigh soreness. Morant likely suffered the injury in the Grizzlies’ 123-115 win over the Orlando Magic last Thursday.

Memphis is on a five-game winning run and is starting to look like the team that reached the Western Conference semi-finals last season. The Grizzlies’ incredible form has been largely due to Morant's scintillating display over the last 10 games.

During the said stretch, he’s averaging 32.0 points, 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds. “G12” is also hitting a blistering 61.9% of his field goal attempts.

Tyus Jones could be inserted into the starting lineup if the soon-to-be two-time NBA All-Star is unavailable.

Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, the NBA’s second-leading scorer at 35.5 PPG, will miss a third straight game for the Philadelphia 76ers. He will be sidelined when the 76ers visit the Detroit Pistons tonight.

Embiid has been dealing with left foot soreness since their 120-111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 2. He missed Wednesday's match versus the Indiana Pacers and Philly’s game against the Chicago Bulls last Friday.

The 76ers are 7-3 over the last 10 games because of Joel Embiid’s dominance. During that stretch, he is averaging a mind-boggling 42.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Embiid is shooting 62.5% of his shots, including 66.7% from behind the three-point line.

If Doc Rivers keeps Embiid sidelined, backup big man Montrezl Harrell should see more minutes tonight. He could be available, though, on Tuesday in a rematch with the Detroit Pistons.

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Bam Adebayo: Left posterior thigh bruise; January 6, 2023

Former NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo is questionable tonight for the Miami Heat.

Bam Adebayo was a key reason why the Miami Heat beat the Phoenix Suns 104-96 last Friday. He finished the game with 21 points, a team-high 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals.

A day after the win, he promptly complained of discomfort on his left posterior thigh. He has been officially listed as questionable against the Brooklyn Nets. If he’s out, Miami will be at a disadvantage when they host the hottest team in the NBA.

With the way the Nets are playing, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra will surely need everything that Bam Adebayo brings to the table. His defense, rebounding and scoring will be badly missed if he’s on street clothes tonight.

Dewayne Dedmon and Orlando Robinson should see a bump in their minutes minus the three-time All-NBA Defensive team member.

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Tyler Herro: Back spasms since January 4, 2023

Tyler Herro is questionable tonight due to back spasms.

Tyler Herro played 35 minutes versus LeBron James and the LA Lakers last Wednesday but finished with only nine points, four rebounds and three assists. He was reportedly feeling discomfort in his back during the game.

Herro then missed Miami’s next game against the Phoenix Suns, which the Heat won. If his condition doesn’t improve after this morning’s shootaround, he could miss tonight’s matchup versus the Brooklyn Nets.

Tyler Herro is dealing with back spasms and could be on the bench cheering for the Heat. He has already missed nine games this season and could add to that tally if his status doesn’t improve this morning.

Max Struss could take his place in the starting lineup if his back continues to be an issue.