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NBA All-Star Ja Morant has been ruled doubtful by the Memphis Grizzlies for their matchup tonight against the Orlando Magic. Morant has played in the Grizzlies’ past three games after a nine-game absence.
“G12” is dealing with right thigh soreness which puts his availability in doubt versus the Magic. Memphis will be playing the first night of a back-to-back set, giving them a reason to sideline the explosive point guard.
The Grizzlies may want to insert him back into the lineup against the LA Clippers on Wednesday night.
Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed reports that the two-time NBA All-Star will be coming off the bench until further notice. The strategy was employed to ease him back into action after an eight-game suspension took him out of the rotation.
Over his past three games, Morant has been averaging 20.7 ppg, 6.3 apg and 3.0 rpg in 24.2 minutes. Giving him a break tonight may be where the Grizzlies are going regarding his status.
Tyus Jones, who has done a solid job in Morant’s absence, will be expected to start in his place if the NBA All-Star is sidelined.
Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder have put Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s availability tonight against the Charlotte Hornets questionable. “SGA” suffered a left ankle sprain in the Thunder’s 118-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers last Sunday.
Gilgeous-Alexander played 35 minutes in that game and finished with a game-high 31 points, two rebounds, three assists and four steals. It wasn’t very clear when he injured his ankle but it has reportedly caused him to be limited in practice.
Sunday’s win against the Blazers improved the Thunder’s record to 37-38 and in 10th place in the Western Conference. They’re only half a game ahead of the Dallas Mavericks (37-39) for that final play-in ticket.
Losing the NBA All-Star to an injury will be disastrous for the OKC Thunder as he is the team’s best player. They badly need him to keep their playoff aspirations going.
Tre Mann could be inserted into the starting lineup if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unavailable.
Draymond Green: Neck soreness; Injured since: March 26, 2023
Draymond Green has been ruled probable by the Golden State Warriors when they host the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner complained of discomfort in his neck after last Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With the defending NBA champs desperately needing wins to avoid the play-in, Green may have to play through his neck soreness.
Unless there’s a major setback, he is expected to suit up tonight for the Bay Area team.
Jordan Poole: Left wrist soreness; Injured since: March 26, 2023
Jordan Poole is dealing with left wrist soreness. He has been ruled probable by the Golden State Warriors tonight against the Pelicans.
It wasn’t very clear when “JP” suffered the injury in their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last Sunday. Golden State’s training staff will closely monitor him during the morning shoot-around and pregame warmups.
Poole may be a game-time decision. The defending NBA champs will badly miss his shooting if he’s unavailable to play.
Donte DiVincenzo and Gary Payton II could see their minutes go up if “JP” is sidelined.
Guess the Lakers players!
