The Memphis Grizzlies are in a rough stretch, losing three of their last four games as they prepare to take on a red-hot LA Clippers team at Intuit Dome. Holding the fifth seed in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are just 3.5 games ahead of the seventh-seeded Clippers, who already have the tie-breaker advantage with a 2-0 season record against Memphis.
Their struggles have been compounded by injuries, with the team releasing a lengthy injury report ahead of Friday's game. Ja Morant, the Grizzlies' best performer this month, will miss his fourth straight game due to a left hamstring injury sustained against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 14.
Morant has been productive when available, averaging 31.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in six games this month, making his absence a significant blow. Unlike in other seasons of his career, the Grizzlies have struggled in Morant's absence this year, going just 15-12 without him and 28-15 when he plays.
The injury list doesn't stop there-Brandon Clarke (right knee soreness) and Lamar Stevens (right shoulder soreness) are also ruled out, further depleting Memphis' depth.
Status Report: @memgrizz at @LAClippers, March 21: pic.twitter.com/KQaZf3uQx1
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) March 21, 2025
Following the latest update released by the team on Thursday, fans took to social media to express their frustration:
"We were the two seed 6 days ago," one fan lamented.
"Here comes the Play-In," another fan added.
"How hard does Ja go in practice and why they choosing to be mysterious bout this injury like his shoulder injury last yr?" a concerned fan questioned.
"Can't remember the last time there was no one on the [injury list]," another said.
At 39-30, the Grizzlies are still aiming for a top-six finish to secure automatic playoff qualification. On the bright side, they sit just 2.5 games behind the Houston Rockets for the second seed. However, with the Western Conference race tightening, a continued losing streak could push them into the Play-In Tournament.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 12:27 PM.