The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, March 21, at Spectrum Center, with both teams entering the matchup dealing with multiple injuries.
Charlotte enters the game at 36–34, holding the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference, while Memphis sits 12th in the Western Conference at 24–45.
The biggest absence on the Memphis side is Ja Morant, who remains out with a left elbow UCL sprain. The guard has appeared in 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists while shooting 89.7% from the free-throw line.
Memphis also continues to play without several rotation players. Santi Aldama is out while recovering from right knee surgery, and center Zach Edey is sidelined following left ankle surgery after averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds in his first 11 appearances.
Brandon Clarke is unavailable due to a right calf strain, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remains out with a surgically repaired right fifth finger.
Scotty Pippen Jr. is also inactive because of right great toe surgery recovery, and Jahmai Mashack will miss the game after spraining his left ankle.
Cedric Coward is listed out for personal reasons after averaging 13.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in 54 games this season.
Two Memphis players carry uncertain status entering the matchup. GG Jackson is listed as questionable with left knee soreness, and DeJon Jarreau is also questionable because of right ankle soreness.
Ty Jerome is doubtful with right calf injury management. The guard has been productive when available, averaging 6.9 made field goals per game on 48.0% shooting while converting 41.9% from three-point range.
The Hornets report fewer injury concerns, although several players will remain unavailable due to roster assignments. Tosan Evbuomwan and Antonio Reeves are out on two-way G League assignments, while PJ Hall and Liam McNeeley are also with the team’s G League affiliate.
Charlotte will also be without forward Tidjane Salaun, who is sidelined with a left calf strain after appearing in 36 games.
Despite the limited injury list, the Hornets rely heavily on their core scorers. Brandon Miller leads the team with 20.4 points per game, while LaMelo Ball contributes 19.5 points and 7.1 assists.
Kon Knueppel has also played a major role in Charlotte’s offense, averaging 19.3 points while shooting 43.7% from three-point range across 69 games.
Miles Bridges adds another scoring option at 17.4 points per game, and center Moussa Diabate averages 8.7 rebounds while anchoring the interior.
Charlotte enters the matchup with momentum after back-to-back home wins, defeating the Orlando Magic 130–111 and the Miami Heat 136–106.
Memphis split its two most recent games, beating the Denver Nuggets 125–118 before falling 117–112 to the Boston Celtics.
The Hornets also won the only previous meeting between the teams this season, defeating Memphis 112–97 on January 28.
