The Boston Celtics visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at FedExForum, with the injury report heavily favoring the Eastern Conference contender due to Memphis’ extensive absences.
Boston enters the matchup at 46-23, holding the No. 2 seed in the East, while Memphis sits at 24-44 and continues to manage a depleted roster late in the season.
The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant, who is sidelined with a left elbow UCL sprain, removing their primary ball handler and leading playmaker from the lineup.
Morant averages 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game, and his absence significantly impacts Memphis’ offensive structure, especially in pick-and-roll creation and transition scoring.
Memphis also lists Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Jahmai Mashack as out, leaving the rotation thin across both frontcourt and perimeter positions.
Taj Gibson and GG Jackson are listed as doubtful, which could further shrink Memphis’ available rotation if neither is cleared.
The Celtics, by contrast, have a shorter injury report, though it still includes a notable absence in Nikola Vucevic due to a fractured right ring finger.
Vucevic has averaged 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in limited appearances, and his absence shifts more frontcourt responsibility onto Neemias Queta and Luka Garza.
Boston also lists Max Shulga and Amari Williams as questionable due to G League assignments, while John Tonje is out on a two-way designation.
The Celtics have won three straight games, including a 120-99 victory over Golden State. Memphis split its last two games, including a 125-118 win over Denver.
Boston won the only previous meeting this season, a 131-95 result that highlighted the gap in depth and execution between the teams.
