The Memphis Grizzlies are stepping into the New Year against the Sacramento Kings with a bit of a quandary—what does life without Ja Morant look like, even if just for a game? Slated for January 3rd at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, this matchup promises a blend of intrigue and intensity, a narrative fueled by injuries and upcoming stars.
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, Ja Morant’s AC joint sprain keeps him sidelined for this critical overtime, a blow for fans and their opponents alike. Morant, with his dynamic flair, delivers not just points, but that electric energy only he can summon. Also on the injury list are several other Grizzlies—Gregory Jackson (foot), Marcus Smart (finger), Vince Williams Jr. (ankle), and Santi Aldama (ankle)—all out of commission for this one. Questions linger over the availability of Zach Edey (concussion), Brandon Clarke (knee), Yuki Kawamura (shoulder), and Jake LaRavia (ankle), making up a significant pool of uncertainty.
This leaves the Grizzlies reliant on their depth and resilience, a theme that could unfold captivatingly on Friday night. Desmond Bane will be key to maintaining the offensive rhythm, expected to step into the leading offensive role. Paired with Jaren Jackson Jr., known for his defensive tenacity and contribution to both ends of the court, the Grizzlies have some solid foundations despite missing Morant.
On the other side of the court, the Kings aren’t without their own lineup concerns. Keegan Murray (ankle) and Devin Carter (shoulder) are both questionable, adding another layer to this intriguing narrative. Sacramento, with a 15-19 record, has been trying to right the ship under interim coach Doug Christie and forge new paths through a tough Western Conference terrain. De’Aaron Fox, averaging an electric 26.8 points per game, stands as a centerpiece of these endeavors, ready to lead a rejuvenated assault.
Both teams come into this clash with contrasting records and aspirations. The Grizzlies, second in the conference with a 23-11 record, have been a force to be reckoned with, capturing 21 of their last 30 games. Meanwhile, the Kings have shown flashes of improvement, and this fixture offers a raw opportunity to disrupt the Memphis momentum while illustrating their growth trajectory.
Fans eager to catch the pulse of the action can tune in to NBCS-CA and FDSSE or stream it on Fubo, depending on regional viewing restrictions. With the breadth of talent on display despite key absences, Friday’s game is a reminder of both the unpredictability and unwritten potential that comes with a new year in the NBA—a contest where every rebound, defensive stop, and clutch play could shift the balance of a tightly contested Western Conference.
