The Memphis Grizzlies are showing strong performances this season, but the story of their success is deeply intertwined with the health of their star player, Ja Morant. After missing two games due to right shoulder soreness, the dynamic guard returned to action on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, eager to lead his team back on the court.
Morant was listed as questionable before his return, raising concerns among fans about his readiness to take the floor once again. Before Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins cleared him to play, Morant had to demonstrate improved mobility and range of motion, particularly for shooting, passing, and arm angles. His contributions became all the more pivotal, especially with shooting guard Desmond Bane still sidelined due to a left ankle sprain. Jenkins acknowledged Morant's significance by stating, "Morant's return will help stabilize the Grizzlies' backcourt," underscoring the impact he creates whenever he's on the floor.
The Grizzlies' performance has fluctuated during Morant’s absence. This season, they’ve recorded 14 wins against 7 losses when he’s off the court, whereas their record improves to 19-9 with him available. Despite these challenges, Memphis has managed to maintain their standing, currently holding a record of 34-16, which places them second in the competitive Western Conference—behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Adding to the positive news for the Grizzlies is the anticipated return of both Marcus Smart and Vince Williams Jr. Jenkins provided updates on their status, indicating they are “trending in a really good direction” after extended absence. With Smart being the league's Defensive Player of the Year last season, his return is expected to bolster Memphis' already solid defense.
Meanwhile, as they prepare for their matchup against the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies face another hurdle with their injury list. Currently, several key players are out or listed as questionable. Aside from Bane, the Grizzlies will also be without Cam Spencer, who is recovering from thumb surgery. Other players, like Brandon Clarke, Marcus Smart, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr., remain questionable. The Raptors themselves come with challenges, including injuries to RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl.
This impending game against the Raptors, which is set for Wednesday night, marks the second and final meeting of the regular season between the two teams. Their previous encounter was notable, as Memphis handily defeated Toronto with a blowout score of 155-126. With Morant back and potentially bolstered by Smart, the Grizzlies are optimistic as they look to secure another victory on the road.
For the Grizzlies, Morant’s return signals more than just the return of their star player—it symbolizes the group inching closer to full strength for the first time this season. With injuries spanning several players, Memphis has had to dig deep. Emerging players like Williams are set to make their presence felt as well, having previously demonstrated promise as he averaged over 12 points and 6 rebounds per game last season during significant playing time.
With their current win streak and the return of key players, the Grizzlies look poised to continue their dominant play. The renewed hope of fully healthy rosters offers promising prospects for the second half of the season as they aim for playoff contention.