
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 31, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22), guard Marcus Smart (36), forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. (13), guard Vince Williams Jr. (5) and guard Derrick Rose (23) watch as the Sacramento Kings shoot a technical free throw during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 31, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22), guard Marcus Smart (36), forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. (13), guard Vince Williams Jr. (5) and guard Derrick Rose (23) watch as the Sacramento Kings shoot a technical free throw during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
After having played almost the entire season undermanned, the Memphis Grizzlies will face the defending champions next. Fighting a huge barrage of injuries this season, the team has faced overwhelming odds this season. For their next game, they enter the contest with a 0-2 season record and a 37-point blowout by the Denver Nuggets faced in late December.
With that, they now head towards the Ball Arena, hoping to set the record straight. However, the Grizzlies continue to deal with major injury issues, even in the last leg of the season. Regardless, a piece of good news presents itself as several key players eye a possible return to the court soon.
Desmond Bane, after the recent miss against the San Antonio Spurs, is mounting a return. On the other hand, Lamar Stevens is eyeing a comeback. Jake LaRavia also sees a major upgrade on the Grizzlies Injury Report. The three players are deemed “questionable” for the game. Moreover, Brandon Clarke is closer to stepping on the court than ever this season, as he harbors a “doubtful” status for the game. Joining him are John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr.
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Clarke listed as something other than OUT for first time this season, which means, barring a setback, he’s on track to return in next game or two from Achilles surgery rehab.@memgrizz face Denver on Monday and return home from 4-game trip to face Lakers on Wednesday. https://t.co/jPbn2a3sb8
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) March 24, 2024
While Bane’s re-entry to the starting lineup is highly anticipated to bolster the roster, the most surprising name to climb the Memphis Grizzlies injury report is Clarke. The 27-year-old has missed the entire 2023-24 seasons due to an Achilles injury. With that, it is a glimmering sight for fans to see a positive shift in the forward’s future after long journey of 46 games.
However, it remains unclear whether the Grizzlies desire to bring him back this season or to give him more recovery time. Moreover, the Grizzlies continue to face absences in Ja Morant, Luke Kennard, Derrick Rose, Marcus Smart, Yuta Watanabe, and Ziaire Williams. On the other hand, eyes shift toward the status of the Denver team against a bruised Memphis side.
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What does Denver’s roster look like vs Memphis Grizzlies?
Denver fans faced a sudden scare in their previous game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were ruled out of the game due to lingering concerns. The guard was dealing with an ankle issue while Jokic suffered from a bad back/hip.
Till now, their status for the Grizzlies game remains the same, with their availability revolving on a day-to-day basis. Final updates can be expected as the game nears tip-off. Moreover, Zeke Nnaji is expected to remain out of for his 4th consecutive game due to a right adductor tendinosis.
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With Murray and Jokic in the lineup, Denver holds their championship dominance over the Grizzlies. Regardless, even in the absence of the two stars, Denver’s depth allows them to be the favorites to emerge victorious. The squad displayed the same in their recent win against Portland and can repeat it in the game on Monday.
Read More – Draymond Green on Grizzlies Brawl: “They Were Trying to Get Me Thrown Out..”
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