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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant returned for just nine games after serving a 25 game suspension earlier this season. On Monday, the Grizzlies announced Morant will miss the remainder of the 2023-2024 campaign after he suffered a right shoulder labral tear.
The @memgrizz announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/Cr7xKj1Wm4
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 9, 2024
His season was over before it started. After a poor start to the year, Memphis went just 6-19 without their star Ja Morant. Even worse, they had injuries pileup among several players. In fact, they lost their first six games of the season.
Upon Morant's return, the Grizzlies trajectory drastically changed, improving to 6-3 with Morant in the lineup. Winning four consecutive games against the Pelicans (twice), Pacers, and Hawks, their star reminded the Grizzlies just how vital he is to the organization. Just his first game back, No. 12 hit a game-winner to secure the victory over New Orleans.
Ja Morant x Allen Iverson
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) January 9, 2024pic.twitter.com/FPCQecsq8B
Their Championship Odds changed drastically following the injury to Morant
In just nine games, he had a colossal impact on his team. With as much athleticism as he has, Morant is able to score and facilitate in various ways. In fact, he's been compared to Allen Iverson several times.
In just a short amount of time, the former Racer averaged 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, on 47.1 percent field goal shooting. He had a season high 31 points in a thrilling 116-115 overtime win against the Pelicans on Dec. 26. Most recently, the Grizzlies guard had a 21 point, one steal, one block, seven rebound, and seven assist night in their victory against the Lakers.
Their Championship hopes seemed far away after Morant was suspended in June, due to detrimental conduct to the league. Prior to the start of the season, Memphis had +2500 odds to win the NBA Title. Now with Steven Adams and Morant out, oddsmakers are seeing the impact of both injuries.
No surprise, Memphis odds to win the Larry O'Brien trophy are currently +40000, which ranks in the bottom third of the NBA.
Along with Adams and Morant, the Grizzlies have one big dilemma. With Brandon Clarke and Derrick Rose out indefinitely, who will be the leader of this team? After trading for Marcus Smart in the offseason, will the Grizzlies retain him?
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 9, 2024
Sitting at 13-23, Memphis is coming off a two game win streak, against the Lakers and the Suns. Only halfway into the season, the rest of the season looks rather bleak.
And with the injury, the team announced Morant would undergo surgery to repair the labrum tera in his right shoulder.
While this season is a washout for Morant, the team announced he "is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-2025 season." Terrible news coming out of the NBA, he will simply have to wait to have his comeback season.
Morant seemingly addressed the injury in a somber social media post on Tuesday morning. Prior to that post, He posted a blue heart on Jan 8.
What does this mean for the Grizzlies moving forward?
get the JOB done.
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 8, 2024https://t.co/4OjofQp6CN pic.twitter.com/pOpkZFwQWy
While this is a gut punch for Memphis, there may be a silver lining in all of this. If we follow the trajectory before Morant's return, it doesn't look as though Memphis will make a playoff run. However, while the Play-in tournament is still within arms reach, Memphis could end up with a high draft pick. It was just five years ago, Morant was selected by the Grizzlies No. 2 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Currently, Memphis is No 4. in the Southwest Division, and No.13 in the Western Conference. For now, Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane remain the team's core players. Now in his 4th NBA season, Bane is averaging a career high 24.2 points, and 5.4 assists per game. Jackson Jr., in his 6th year, is putting up a career high 21.6 points.
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 8, 2024
There's certainly nothing to sniff at when it comes to Jackson Jr. and Bane. Two all-star worthy players, the Grizzlies will see the development and improvement of both while Morant remains sidelined. Behind the trio of Bane, Jackson Jr. and Smart, not one player is averaging points in double figures besides Aldama. Half way through the season, the Grizzlies averaging / least amount of points in the NBA, with 107.8.
Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are studs
Known for his defensive prowess, Jackson Jr. has been fairly dominant on the offensive end. Coming off an impressive 28 point performance against the Suns, he's averaging 27.6 points in the last three games, specifically 31 versus the Lakers.
With a tough schedule ahead, 26 of their 46 matchups will come against teams .500 or better. At the end of the month, Memphis will have consecutive challenging matchups against the Heat, Magic, Pacers, Kings, Cavaliers, Warriors, Celtics, and Knicks.
While the Grizzlies finished as the No.2 seed, it's scary to think how dominant this team could end up next year with a healthy roster. Just one season ago, Memphis had 51 wins, second behind the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference.
Just 24 years old, Morant has a career average of 22.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. While the future is bright, Memphis will soon put this season in their rear view mirror and look to build when their star is healthy again.
Stay tuned for more NBA related articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business
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]]>The 7th Seed Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, 20-21 Away) will play the 2nd Seed Memphis Grizzlies (51-31, 35-6 Home) tonight in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs First Round. The Los Angeles Lakers won the first game, 128-112, and are looking to take a 2-0 lead against Memphis. These two teams will play tonight at 7:30 PM EDT, at FedEx Forum, located in Memphis, Tennessee. The matchup will air on TNT. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:
Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*
Money Line
Lakers: -115
Grizzlies: -105
Over/Under: 227
Lakers: -110
Grizzlies: -110
Spread:
Lakers: -1(-110)
Grizzlies: +1(-110)
Playoff Matchup:
Lakers are up 1-0 vs. The Grizzlies.
Game 1: Lakers Defeat the Grizzlies 128-112.
Betting Odds: Memphis (-4.5), Over/Under 228.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers +4.5, OVER.
Game Summary:
The Los Angeles Lakers certainly made a statement in Game 1 after a tumultuous first season under Head Coach Darvin Ham. Rui Hachimura was acquired mid-season and had the best game of his Playoff Career. Hachimura exploded for 29 Points, 6 Rebounds, and shot 5-6 from the Three off the Lakers Bench. Most of his points took place in the third quarter, where the Lakers took control.
In addition, Anthony Davis had a double-double, 22 Points along with 12 Rebounds. LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves all had points in Double-Digits. Overall, the Lakers shot 43.2 Percent from the Three, 43 Percent from the Field, 87.5 Percent from the line, and outrebounded the Grizzlies 45-34. In addition, they set the tempo and led in fast break points. The Lakers had 11 Blocks as a team, including 7 by Anthony Davis. We really got to see the amount of depth and talent the Lakers have, and how good they can be when they get into a rhythm.
Although Memphis had complete control in the second quarter, they lost All-Star Ja Morant to a hand injury. Morant quoted, “My main focus was to be out there for my guys. Another incident where, you know, that's pretty much in jeopardy. (ESPN).” Even though Morant went down with an injury, he still added 30 minutes and 18 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. erupted for 31 points, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks, and shot 13-21 from the Field. Also, Desmond Bane, and Dillon Brooks added points in double-digits. ?Overall, the Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the Field, 36 Percent from the Three, and kept up with the Lakers in the paint offensively. Ultimately, the Grizzlies couldn’t keep up without Ja Morant, the Lakers shot better from the Three, and had more fast break points.
Season Matchup
Lakers are 2-1 vs. the Grizzlies this season:
Game 1: Grizzlies 121-Lakers 122 (Lakers Home).
Betting Odds: Memphis (-7), Over/Under 244.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers +7, UNDER.
Game Summary:
Before this game, the Grizzlies were on an 11-game win streak. However, that streak came to an end, thanks to the Lakers. This game was a nail biter until the end, when Dennis Schr?der knocked down a Three in the last seconds of the game. Both the Lakers and Memphis struggled from the Three, shooting 31 percent. In addition, Memphis Outrebounded the Lakers 63-47, and dominated points in the paint 64-44. However, the Grizzlies couldn’t hit their free-throws, had more fouls, and the Lakers capitalized at the Free-Throw Line.? ?Overall, the Lakers again controlled the tempo, and had more fast break points. Also, it’s important to know Los Angeles were without Anthony Davis.
Game 2: Lakers 109 - Grizzlies 121 (Grizzlies Home)
Betting Odd: Memphis (-9), Over/Under 230.5.
Betting Results: Memphis ML, Memphis -9, OVER.
Game Summary:
The Lakers were without star LeBron James, and again had a different roster, given this game was before the NBA Trade Deadline. Anthony Davis led the way with 28 Points, and 19 rebounds. In addition, the Lakers Bench added 53 Points.? Ja Morant exploded for 39 Points, 10 Assists, 10 Rebounds, and took over in the third quarter.
The Grizzlies struggled from the Three-Point and shot 19 percent from beyond the arc. In addition, The Lakers Outrebounded the Grizzlies 56-47, and shot 38 percent from the Three. Also, the Lakers had 41 points off turnovers. Although Memphis dominated points in the paint 86-48, Lakers were able to capitalize off those turnovers and the three-point shot.
Game 3: Grizzlies 103 – Lakers 112 (Lakers Home).
Betting Odds: Los Angeles (-1.5), Over/Under 226.5.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers -1.5, UNDER.
Game Summary:
The Lakers came up with the win, without star LeBron James, and an overhauled roster. Also, Memphis was without star Ja Morant. Once again, Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers, and their bench added 32 Points. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for Memphis.
Once again, both teams struggled from the Three, shooting 25 percent and under beyond the arc. However, the Lakers shot nearly 46 percent from the Field, and outrebounded Memphis 57-45. In addition, Los Angeles had more points in the paint, and had more fast break points.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers:
SF LeBron James (Probable): Right Foot Soreness.
PF Anthony Davis (Probable): Right Foot Stress Injury.
PG Dennis Schr?der (probably): Right Foot Soreness.
Memphis Grizzlies.
PG Ja Morant (Questionable): Hand Injury-Game Time Decision.
C Steven Adams (OUT): Knee.
PF Brandon Clarke (OUT): Achilles Tear.
F Jake LaRavia (OUT): Calf.
Key Players:
Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis:
Although Anthony Davis only played in 56 games this year, due to injury, he is a vital part of this time, on both sides of the court.
Anthony Davis averaged?28.5 Points, 1.2 Steals, 2 Blocks, 12.8 rebounds, and shoots 57.1 percent from the field, and 26 percent from the three on the road this season.
Davis averaged 29 Points, 3.5 Blocks, 20.5 Rebounds, and shot 55.6 Percent from the Field, and 33 Percent from the Three in 2 regular season games against Memphis.
In Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Anthony Davis played 37 minutes, and put up 22 Points, 3 Steals, 7 Blocks, 3 Assists, 12 Rebounds, shot 100 Percent from the Line, and 59 Percent from the Field. If he’s available to play, he will be a huge x-factor on the glass and on the offensive end. Rebounding is a huge part of winning games, and Anthony Davis will have to take advantage of the size matchup without Steven Adams in the lineup.
LeBron James
If LeBron James is available to play, he is the most important player to this team off and on the court.
In 29 Road games, James averaged 30 Points, 6.5 Assists, 8.6 Rebounds, shot 50 Percent from the Field, and 31 Percent from the Three.? In 1 regular season game against Memphis, James averaged 23 Points, 2 Steals, 2 Blocks, 6 Assists, 9 Rebounds, and struggled shooting.
LeBron had a lot of help in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, thanks to Lakers Bench. In 34 minutes, LeBron added 21 Points, 2 Steals, 3 Blocks, 5 Assists, and 11 Rebounds. Additionally, he shot 50 percent from the field, and 37.5 Percent from downtown.
Lakers Bench and Role Players
?Rui Hachimura added 29 Points off the bench for the Lakers in Game 1 against the Grizzlies. In addition, the Lakers bench scored 39 points. In 4 games against Memphis, Hachimura averaged 11 Points, and shot 40 percent from the three, and 48.6 percent from the field. Austin Reaves was incredible in Game 1 and was a big contributor in the regular season matchup against the Grizzlies. In Game 1, Reaves scored 23 Points, had 1 Block, 1 Steal, and shot 60 percent from the field AND the three-point. In 2 regular season games against the Grizzlies, Austin Reaves averaged 17 Points, 7 Assists, and 50 percent from the Three.
Although D’Angelo Russell didn’t have his best game, look for him to step up if Lebron James or Anthony Davis can’t suit up for this game. Both Lonnie Walker IV Dennis Schr?der, and Malik Beasley all can step up in big games.
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant
Ja Morant is the Star, and the heart and soul of this team. If he is unable to suit up tonight, it will be a huge loss for Memphis, who’s already without Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Ja is a player that can attack the rim, handle the ball, distribute, and has extremely versatility and athleticism.
Before Morant exited with a hand injury, he played 30 minutes, added 18 points, 2 Steals, 6 Rebounds, and shot 66.7 Percent from the Three.
In 2 Regular Games against the Lakers this Season, Morant averaged 30 Points, 9 Assists, 6.5 Rebounds, and shot only 9 percent from the Three.
In Home games this year, Ja Morant averaged 27 Points, 1.3 Steals, and shot 46 percent from the field.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is an extremely talented player that quietly averaged 18.6 Points in the regular season.
In Home Games this season, Jackson Jr. averaged 18.5 Points, 1.2 Steals, 3.6 Blocks, and shot 51 Percent from the field.
In Game 1, he erupted for 31 Points, 2 Blocks, 1 Steal, and shot 62 Percent from the field, and 50 percent from the Three. He is a vital part of this team, with or without Ja Morant.
Key Stats- Playoffs:
?Los Angeles averages 128 Points Per Game.
?Memphis averages 112 Points Per Game.
?Los Angeles ranks 8th in Points Allowed with 112 opponents points per game.
?Memphis ranks 15th in Points Allowed with 128 opponents points per game.
?Los Angeles ranks 6th in Rebounds?Per Game with 45.
?Memphis ranks 16th in Rebounds?Per Game?with 34.
?Los Angeles ranks 2nd in Point Differential at +16.
?Memphis ranks 14th in Point Differential at -16.
?Los Angeles ranks 1st in Blocked Shots with 11 per game.
?Memphis ranks 15th in Blocked Shots with 2 per game.
?Los Angeles averages 43.2 percent from the 3-point, while Memphis averages 36.1 from the 3-point.
Key Stats- Regular Season:
?Los Angeles averaged 117.2 Points Per Game.
?Memphis averaged 116.9 Points Per Game.
?Los Angeles ranked 20th in Points Allowed?with 116.6 opponents points per game.
?Memphis ranked 11th in Points Allowed with 113 opponents points per game.
?Los Angeles ranked 25th in Rebounds?Per Game with 44.9.
?Memphis ranked 21st in Rebounds?Per Game with 44.4.
?Los Angeles ranked 16th in Point Differential at + 0.5
?Memphis ranked 4th in Point Differential at +3.9
?Los Angeles ranked 16th in Blocked Shots with 4.6 per game.
?Memphis ranked 3rd in Blocked Shots with 5.8 per game.
?Los Angeles averaged 34.6 percent from the 3-point range, while Memphis averages 35.1 from the 3-point range.
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION:
SPREAD: Lakers -1
-Los Angeles covered the spread in 5 of their last 10 games.
-Memphis covered the spread in 3 of their last 10 games.
-Los Angeles has a 41-42-1 record ATS this season.
-Memphis has a 37-44-2 record ATS this season.
-Memphis 23-18-1 in HOME games ATS this season.
-Los Angeles is 20-21-1 in AWAY games ATS this season.
MONEY LINE: Lakers Money Line
-Los Angeles won the Money Line 8 out of their last 10 games.
-Memphis won the Money Line 5 of their last 10 games.
The Lakers won the regular season series 2-1 against Memphis. Assuming Anthony Davis and LeBron will be in the lineup, I like the Lakers here. Although Ja Morant will be a game time decision, this Lakers team has more depth and the talent around LeBron to get a win. Give me Lakers Money Line.
OVER/UNDER- UNDER
-Los Angeles Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +1.43
-Memphis Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -0.78
-Los Angeles Overall O/U Record: 45-39-0
-Memphis overall O/U Record: 38-43-2.
-Los Angeles hit the OVER 9 times in their last 10 games.
-Memphis hit the OVER 5 times in their last 10 games.
It’s hard to pick the Over, when LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Ja Morant are all on the injury report. I can’t see the Grizzlies getting well over 100 Points if Morant is indeed out.
For More Betting Info & NBA Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets
Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and Writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/YouTube/Twitch/Instagram/TikTok: @GGirlSports.
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