The defending champs will play against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at The Bay. The Golden State Warriors have not looked like their usual self at times this season, and the Grizzlies will surely be looking to take advantage of this tonight. Considering the Grizzlies’ form so far in the 2022-23 NBA season, it looks highly likely that they make the playoffs.
Although it might sound like an exaggeration, the Warriors might struggle to do so. Not only that, it looks like they might have to fight to scrap a win against the Grizzlies tonight as well. The main reason for this would be their injury problems right now. Let’s take a look at the injury report and expected roster for the teams playing tonight.
Ja Morant will feature for the Memphis Grizzlies vs the Golden State Warriors tonight
Ja Morant is fit and will play against the Warriors tonight, alongside the rest of the key Grizzlies players. The only player on the Grizzlies injury report will be Danny Green.
Danny Green is set to return sometime before the All-Star break for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Where do you think he fits on this roster? 🎯🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/4QddAsEZFy
— GrizzMuse (@GrizzlyMuse) December 25, 2022
The 3x NBA champion tore his LCL and ACL (left knee) when he was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Despite this, the Grizzlies traded him and sent De’Anthony Melton the other way. Although his return date is indefinite, sources say he’s looking to return before the All-Star, which is in February.
Memphis Grizzlies injury report
- Danny Green
Memphis Grizzlies expected roster
- Ja Morant
- Desmond Bane
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Dillon Brooks
- Steven Adams
Golden State Warriors injury report
- Stephen Curry (out)
- Andrew Wiggins (out)
- JaMychal Green (out)
- Andre Iguodala (out)
- Draymond Green (questionable)
Golden State Warriors expected roster
- Klay Thompson
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Moses Moody
- Jordan Poole
- Kevon Looney
The Warriors will miss their key players for the game against the Grizzlies tonight. Stephen Curry will not feature due to a shoulder injury that he suffered when playing against the Indiana Pacers. Andrew Wiggins has suffered a groin injury as well. Along with them, GSW star power forward Draymond Green is also questionable because of soreness in his right foot.
Can Klay Thompson lead the Warriors to a win vs the Grizzlies without Stephen Curry?
It looks like Klay Thompson might be the only one from the stars playing tonight. He would have to lead the Warriors in the absence of Steph, Wiggins, and possibly Dray as well. However, Klay would still have the help of a young and talented Warriors team, including the likes of Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga. But would this firepower be enough against the mighty Grizzlies?
Although the Memphis-based franchise has a young team themselves, they have managed to beat the big teams. In the last game against the Phoenix Suns, the Grizzlies won with the help of a standout performance from Jarren Jackson Jr., who put up 24 points and 10 rebounds on the board. Along with Ja, Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks will be the players the Warriors might be aiming to lock.
However, Steven Adams might be the one to make the difference tonight. It is no secret that he’s one of the best offensive rebounders in the league and that quality will surely come in handy tonight. The last time the two teams faced was in the playoffs when GSW took the win in Ja’s absence. The star guard will be looking to change that tonight. In Steph and Wiggins’ absence, the Grizzlies look like the favorites to achieve that.