Grizzlies Guard Ja Morant Out Against Kings Due to Injury

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Memphis Grizzlies will be without star guard Ja Morant on Monday night as they face the Sacramento Kings due to a left hamstring injury. Morant, who is averaging 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season, has struggled with injuries, limiting him to just 43 games.

As a result of Morant’s absence, the Grizzlies enter the game as three-point road underdogs against the Kings, who have lost their last four games and are looking to turn their season around.

In Morant’s absence, Desmond Bane has stepped up significantly for the Grizzlies. In the 19 games he has played without Morant this season, Bane is averaging 20.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, surpassing 6.5 assists in ten of those matchups. He has recently excelled, accumulating seven or more assists in seven of his last ten games without Morant.

“It’s just a next-man-up mentality,” Bane said. “We’ve got to keep fighting and find ways to win, especially with Ja out.”

The Kings welcome back center Domantas Sabonis, who recently returned from a six-game absence. His presence, combined with the Kings’ healthy roster, could prove advantageous as they aim to climb back to contention.

“We want to get back on track, and a win against a team like Memphis would help us regain our confidence,” Sabonis said.

Both teams have released their injury reports ahead of the game. Alongside Morant, the Grizzlies also list Scotty Pippen Jr. as questionable (wrist) and Zyon Pullin as out (knee). For the Kings, Trey Lyles is questionable (back), while Mason Jones and GG Jackson are out.

This matchup holds substantial implications for both teams in the playoff race, with the Grizzlies seeking to maintain a favorable position and the Kings striving to avoid the Play-In Tournament.