The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at Moda Center, with both teams managing lengthy injury reports that could shape rotations and ball-handling responsibilities. Portland enters 23-28 and 10th in the Western Conference, while Memphis sits 20-29 and 11th, making availability a key factor in a game with play-in implications.
Memphis will be without Ja Morant due to a left elbow UCL sprain. Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Eric Gordon, and Ty Jerome are also ruled out. Scotty Pippen Jr. is listed as questionable due to toe surgery recovery.
Portland’s report is led by Damian Lillard, who remains out for injury management related to his left Achilles tendon. Deni Avdija is questionable with a low back strain, and his potential absence would remove the team’s top scorer at 25.5 points along with 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.
Scoot Henderson is probable despite a left hamstring tear designation. Kris Murray and Matisse Thybulle are ruled out.
Sharpe enters the matchup averaging 21.8 points and shooting 45.7 percent from the field, providing downhill scoring that could test Memphis’ perimeter containment. Donovan Clingan averages 11.2 rebounds and anchors a lineup that relies heavily on second-chance opportunities, with Portland collecting 14.0 offensive boards per game.
Memphis has won its last two games, including a 129-125 road victory over Sacramento and a 137-128 win against Minnesota. Portland, meanwhile, has dropped consecutive home games to Phoenix and Cleveland.
The previous meeting between the teams came on Dec. 7, when the Grizzlies secured a 119-96 victory. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET.
