The Memphis Grizzlies and OKC Thunder face a combined injury crisis with up to 16 players potentially sidelined for their Friday clash. Both sides were in action on Wednesday with contrasting fortunes. The Thunder survived disaster with a 129-125 overtime win over the Utah Jazz, while Memphis suffered a 117-98 loss against the Phoenix Suns.
OKC continues to lead the Western Conference standings, sitting 4.5 games ahead of the second-place Spurs and 5.5 games clear of the third-place Denver Nuggets. Memphis, by contrast, finds itself languishing in 10th place after managing just three wins in its last ten outings. Both sides are grappling with injury concerns ahead of Friday’s encounter.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Update: Ja Morant Out as Team Seeks to Snap 11-Game Losing Streak
The Grizzlies listed eight players on the injury report, including Ja Morant. Morant has been dealing with calf contusions that he suffered against the LA Lakers on Jan. 2 and has missed the next three contests. He was initially listed as questionable for Tuesday’s loss to the Suns before being ruled out. He is expected to miss a fourth consecutive game, with his next chance to suit up coming Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets, the final game of their current four-game homestand.
Along with Morant, John Konchar (thumb), Cedric Howard (ankle), Brandon Clarke (calf) and Zach Edey (ankle) continue to remain on the treatment table.
Meanwhile, guards Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome are yet to play this season due to calf and toe injuries.
Vince Williams Jr. is listed as day-to-day with a knee injury and could see some game time if he is healthy. Coach Tuomas Iisalo has tried multiple different lineups across 37 games, but injuries and constant lineup shuffling have prevented the team from building any real chemistry.
They will need more than just a fight to snap an 11-game losing skid against the reigning champions, a drought that dates back to 2022.
OKC Thunder Injury Report: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Miss First Game of the Season
The Thunder also enter the matchup with eight players on the injury list, but the situation is not as concerning as Memphis’. The biggest name is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will miss his first game of the season with an ankle sprain. He played 42 minutes in Wednesday’s overtime win over the Jazz after being upgraded from questionable to available.
OKC will also be without Jaylin Williams (heel), Chet Holmgren (shin soreness) and Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus) for the showdown. Cason Wallace has been ruled out with a toe injury, while long-term absentees Nikola Topic (testicular cancer) and Thomas Sorber (ACL injury) remain sidelined.
There is also uncertainty over whether defender Alex Caruso will play after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable and is expected to undergo a late medical check before a final decision is made on his status.
There is also uncertainty over whether defender Alex Caruso will play after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable and is expected to undergo a late medical check before a final decision is made on his status.
Although OKC have plenty of other quality options, it would be a huge blow to be without the services of reigning MVP, who is averaging 31.9 points per game.
Read More: Thunder vs Grizzlies Prediction, Odds – Jan. 9 | 2025-26 NBA Season
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