The Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason hasn’t gone as planned, dropping back-to-back games to the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. Now, as they get set to host the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum, the focus shifts to finding some rhythm. Several key players remain sidelined with injuries, testing the team’s depth and chemistry early on. With the rotation already stretched thin, the big question heading into tonight’s matchup is whether Ja Morant will take the floor.

Morant suffered an ankle sprain during a Sunday practice session, according to team spokesperson reports. The injury occurred just as Memphis was gearing up for its preseason opener against Detroit on October 6. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo described it as “simply a basketball incident” and noted that “these things occur” while expressing optimism about a quick return, but things do not look good so far.

The two-time All-Star has been sidelined again, and he is listed as week-to-week by the team medical staff. Tonight marks the third straight preseason game Morant will miss as the Grizzlies host Atlanta at FedExForum. This cautious approach comes after Morant has battled availability issues over the past two seasons, appearing in only 59 games combined due to various injuries and league suspensions. But these pre-season misses tell a deeper story.

Despite the ongoing ankle issue, Ja Morant remains upbeat about his availability for the regular season opener. When Memphis Commercial Appeal reporter Damichael Cole asked about concerns over potentially missing opening night against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 22, Morant responded with a casual “They be tweakin'” while smiling. The star guard has doubled down on his confidence, telling reporters, “If I’m smiling and telling you ain’t gotta worry, you don’t gotta worry.”

During the 2024-25 campaign, Ja Morant averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game while dealing with multiple injury setbacks. His injury history includes a season-ending torn labrum in January 2024 and a hip contusion that kept him out of Memphis’s final playoff game last season.

Memphis will also be without forward Jaren Jackson Jr. due to a toe injury and center Zach Edey because of an ankle issue. Brandon Clarke remains unavailable with a knee problem that continues his recovery process. But where will the teams play and where to watch?

Where to watch the Grizzlies vs Hawks Preseason Game?

You can catch the Grizzlies vs Hawks tonight in preseason action at FedEx Forum. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be up on Fubo, so fans can tune into FanDuel Sports Network Extra (South) to see the action. Out-of-market viewers will need NBA League Pass to watch these regional broadcasts. National television appearances will occur on ESPN, NBA TV, ABC, and through streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock.

Tonight’s preseason clash between the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies could offer a glimpse into each team’s evolving rotation. For the Hawks, Trae Young headlines a lineup that also features Dyson Daniels in the backcourt and sophomore Zaccharie Risacher starting alongside Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis up front. A mix of star power, youth, and fresh chemistry waiting to click.

On the other side, Memphis is expected to roll out a makeshift unit with Javon Small and Cedric Coward, joined by Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Lawson Lovering. With several key players sidelined, the Grizzlies will use this opportunity to test their depth and give younger names valuable minutes before the regular season tips off. So, who will win tonight’s clash? Our prediction says the Grizzlies will try to come out hard after two losses, but do not take the Hawks easy, who will start without any injuries.