In a dramatic turn of events, the Memphis Grizzlies faced a significant setback just minutes before their game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, April 5, 2025. Star guard Ja Morant, who was initially announced as a starter, was downgraded to out due to an illness, specifically symptoms of food poisoning, according to Grizzlies play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica. This last-minute change left the Grizzlies scrambling for a replacement as they aimed to secure a crucial win in their playoff push.
Morant's absence is particularly impactful given his recent performance. The 24-year-old guard had just hit a buzzer-beater in Miami to snap a three-game losing streak for the Grizzlies, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. He had been a key player for Memphis, averaging 22.9 points and 7.3 assists per game this season despite battling injuries. With only five games left in the regular season, the team is fighting to avoid the NBA Play-In tournament.
In Morant's place, Scotty Pippen Jr. was tapped to start, a decision that adds pressure on the rookie to step up in a must-win situation. The Grizzlies, currently sitting at 45-32, were tied for sixth place in the Western Conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers, making this game crucial for their playoff positioning.
Meanwhile, the Pistons were entering the game on a high note, having clinched an automatic playoff berth for the first time since 2019. Their star guard, Cade Cunningham, who had missed the previous six games due to a left calf contusion, returned to the lineup after being upgraded from probable to active just hours before tip-off. Cunningham's return was a significant boost for the Pistons, who have been performing well in his absence, going 4-2 during his sidelining.
As the game approached, fans were eager to see how both teams would adjust to these last-minute changes. The Pistons, currently holding a record of 43-34, were tied in the loss column with the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. With only five games left, every match was critical for both teams as they jockeyed for playoff positioning.
The game was set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, with the Grizzlies needing a win to bolster their chances of avoiding the play-in tournament. The stakes were high as both teams sought to solidify their playoff futures.
In the lead-up to the game, the Grizzlies had tweeted out their starting lineup at 5:41 PM, which included Morant. However, by 5:53 PM, he was officially ruled out, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning how such a sudden change could affect the team's performance. This situation highlighted the unpredictable nature of sports, where player availability can change in an instant.
Despite Morant's absence, the Grizzlies were determined to put forth a strong effort. They had shown resilience throughout the season, and with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, they needed to rally together. The pressure was on as they faced a Pistons team eager to capitalize on their playoff berth and build momentum heading into the postseason.
As the game unfolded, the atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans on both sides ready to support their teams in this high-stakes matchup. The Pistons were looking to assert their dominance, while the Grizzlies aimed to leverage their collective experience and skill to overcome the loss of their star player.
With tip-off approaching, all eyes were on the court as both teams prepared for battle. Would the Grizzlies be able to adjust in time to secure a much-needed victory, or would the Pistons capitalize on their home advantage and the return of their star player? The outcome remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the stakes were high, and the excitement was palpable as the game was set to begin.
