The Memphis Grizzlies are heading into Wednesday night’s showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves with momentum-and a mountain of injuries. After a convincing 121-103 win over the Clippers on Monday, Memphis is eyeing back-to-back road victories. But with nine players on the injury report, including Ja Morant and Cam Spencer, the path forward won’t be easy.
Let’s start with the big one: Ja Morant. The star guard had just returned to action, starting two straight games after missing ten, but he’s back on the injury list after tweaking his ankle in the fourth quarter of Monday’s win. Officially listed as questionable, his status looms large over this matchup.
And it doesn’t stop there. Cam Spencer, who’s been a steady presence in the backcourt all season, has been ruled out due to personal reasons. It’ll be his first missed game of the year.
With both Morant and Spencer potentially sidelined, the Grizzlies are expected to turn to Vince Williams to help carry the load at guard. Williams has shown flashes and will likely get the nod in the starting lineup, but the depth chart is getting thin fast.
The injury list doesn’t get any kinder from there. Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Brandon Clarke (knee), and Ty Jerome (calf) have all yet to suit up this season and remain out indefinitely. That’s three potential rotation players who haven’t logged a single minute.
Sunday’s game against Portland added two more names to the growing list. Jon Konchar tore the UCL in his left thumb, and Zach Edey suffered an ankle injury-both are expected to miss several weeks and are out through the end of the calendar year.
Javon Small, who’s been sidelined since early November with a toe injury, isn’t expected back for at least another three weeks. And GG Jackson has been sent down to the G League, rounding out the Grizzlies’ depleted roster.
So, what does all this mean heading into a matchup against one of the West’s top teams?
It means Memphis will need to lean heavily on its remaining core and hope for another gritty, team-first performance. Despite the injuries, this group has found a rhythm lately, winning seven of its last ten. That kind of resilience doesn’t show up on the injury report, but it’s exactly what they’ll need to hang with a Timberwolves squad that’s been one of the league’s most consistent teams this season.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Fans in Memphis can catch the game on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, while those in Minnesota can tune in via FanDuel Sports Network North. NBA TV will carry the game nationally, and streaming options are available through NBA League Pass and FUBO TV.
It’s a tough road ahead for the Grizzlies-but if there’s one thing this team has shown lately, it’s that they’re not backing down from a challenge.