Ja Morant’s Return Delayed as Grizzlies Aim to Extend Winning Streak
Ja Morant’s much-anticipated return is on hold yet again, as he remains officially listed as ‘out’ on the NBA Injury Report. This status means that fans will have to wait at least one more game to see the star guard back on the court. The Memphis Grizzlies, seeking their first win of December, are reeling from a recent loss that snapped a promising three-game win streak in San Antonio.
Grizzlies vs. Clippers: A Road Test
Tonight, the Grizzlies (10-13) will host the Portland Trail Blazers (9-14) in a matchup marked by playoff implications. With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, both teams are eyeing a potential play-in spot as the season progresses. The Clippers, meanwhile, are in Memphis looking to improve their record to 2-1 on a challenging five-game road trip. This trip has already seen the shocking departure of future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul, signaling an impending separation between the veteran and the franchise.
A Resilient Memphis Team
Despite the absence of Morant, who has been upgraded to ‘doubtful’ for this matchup, the Grizzlies have shown resilience. After a rocky start to the season, they have bounced back, winning six of their last eight games. This resurgence is a positive sign for new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who is hoping to avoid a disastrous first season at the helm.
The Grizzlies will face the Trail Blazers for the first time this season, with another matchup set for back-to-back nights in Portland on February 6-7, and the series will conclude back at FedEx Forum on March 4. Last season, the Blazers bested the Grizzlies in their final meeting, winning 115-99, powered by an impressive performance from Deni Avdija, who tallied 31 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists. The last time Memphis triumphed in this series was on November 25, 2024, when Morant led the charge with 22 points and 11 assists in a 123-98 victory.
Memphis holds a historical edge over Portland, winning 22 of the last 38 encounters, although the Blazers maintain a lifetime lead, 60-48, against the Grizzlies.
Game Details and Betting Lines
The matchup promises to be intriguing, with the Grizzlies currently favored by 1.5 points according to DraftKings. Here are the betting lines:
Spread: Grizzlies -1.5 (-110), Blazers +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Grizzlies -118, Blazers -102
Total: 231.5 (Over -112, Under -108)
For those interested in betting, remember to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
Projected Starters
Grizzlies:
F Jaylen Wells
F Jaren Jackson Jr.
C Zach Edey
G Vince Williams Jr.
G Cedric Coward
Trail Blazers:
F Toumani Camara
F Jerami Grant
C Robert Williams III
G Sidy Cissoko
G/F Deni Avdija
Injury Report
Grizzlies:
Ja Morant: Doubtful – Right Calf Strain
Ty Jerome: Out – Right Calf Strain
Scotty Pippen Jr.: Out – Right Toe Surgery Recovery
Brandon Clarke: Out – Right Knee Surgery Recovery
Javon Small: Out – Left Toe Soreness
GG Jackson: Out – G League (On Assignment)
Blazers:
Donovan Clingan: Questionable – Lower Leg Contusion
Robert Williams III: Questionable – Illness
Scoot Henderson: Out – Left Hamstring Tear
Jrue Holiday: Out – Right Calf Strain
Damian Lillard: Out – Left Achilles Tendon Injury Management
Matisse Thybulle: Out – Left Thumb Ligament Tear
Blake Wesley: Out – Right Foot Fracture
Voices from the Court
Reflecting on the challenges the Blazers face without a traditional point guard, forward Toumani Camara shared, “Trust the process. Basketball is a team sport, so you just have to move the ball, play with energy, and play the right way.” This sentiment encapsulates the ongoing adjustments both teams must make as they navigate the season’s twists and turns.
