Are the Heat really on the Grizzlies at the moment? Totally! Not just ’cause they have to play a red-hot Miami tonight, but also due to their worrying form. 4 consecutive losses have put them into a play-ins spot. Considering their position just 2-3 weeks ago, the Memphis are in murky waters for sure. But the talk of the town has been their star man, Ja Morant, for a multitude of reasons.
Trade rumours have been circulating for a few days now. On top of that, he’s under investigation for his finger-gun gestures to the Warriors bench in their 134-125 loss a couple of nights ago. But despite his off-court and injury woes, he’s been their go-to attacker this season. Will he be fit to play against Miami tonight?
Grizzlies injury report ahead of Heat clash
The three-time champions looked down and out as the season went on. But a 6-game winning streak has seen the Miami Heat soar into a play-ins position. It’ll be a tough task for the Grizzlies to overcome. But playing away from home might just be the catalyst, considering they’ve lost all three games of their homestand at the FedEx. But one thing’s been common in all the three games—Ja Morant has been on fire.
He’s managed 22, 26, and 36 points against the Lakers, Celtics and Warriors respectively. Considering that they’re all playoff rivals, his offensive plays are the need of the hour for Memphis. But those three games are after a 6-game sit-out due to a hamstring injury. Luckily for the Grizz, he’s set to play tonight. Interim coach Toumas lisalo will be putting his mortgage on the line hoping that Ja Magic Man has some tricks up his sleeve for tonight.
Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
But there’s a fresh addition to their injury report ahead of the Heat clash. Vince Williams Jr. was unexpectedly downgraded to questionable ahead of their Golden State game. He missed the game due to illness, which will also prevent him from playing tonight. He’s out for the game in Miami. He’s averaging 6.6/3.4/2 in just 18.4 minutes per game this season, but this will be his 54th game missed in what’s been an injury riddled season for the 24-year-old guard.
Vince joins Zyon Pullin and Brandon Clarke as the confirmed absentees for tonight’s game at the Kaseya. Clarke is out with a right knee PCL sprain, and Pullin is out with right patellar tendon surgery.
Grizzlies predicted lineup vs Heat
The West never fails to deliver. A win for the Grizz tonight will see a huge shuffle in the pack. If the Timberwolves win their game against the Nets tonight, and if the Warriors lose to the Lakers, the Golden State will fall from 5th straight down to 8th—promoting Memphis to the automatic playoff spots. With Ja available for tonight, let’s see their predicted lineup against the Heat:
Point Guard
Ja Morant
Shooting Guard
Desmond Bane
Small Forward
Jaylen Wells
Power Forward
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Center
Zach Edey
Heat are 3-7 at home currently. They did win against the Celtics, but they’re travelling back to Miami from Boston to play the Grizz with a slight rest advantage. Memphis could cover up their woes with these in mind. Could Ja Morant stop their torrential run with a dub tonight?
The post Is Ja Morant Playing Tonight vs Heat? Grizzlies Injury Report as Playoff Seedings Under Threat appeared first on EssentiallySports.