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Golden State Warriors v Memphis Grizzlies: Each team without key player for crucial clash

By Peter O'Keefe

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 03: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 03, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 03: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 03, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies will each be missing a key player when they renew their rivalry at FedExForum on Thursday. The visitors will be without Andrew Wiggins for a tenth-straight game as he deals with personal matters, while the hosts are absent star point-guard Ja Morant as the NBA further investigates his instagram live video from last weekend.

The Golden State Warriors will look to conclude their three-game roadtrip in positive fashion when they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.

The matchup will provide another significant result to the Western Conference standings — the 34-32 Warriors have lost two-straight games to surrender their brief hold on fifth spot, and the 38-26 Grizzlies have lost three in a row to now share second spot with the Sacramento Kings.

Although Warriors-Grizzlies’ games have tended to produce tight battles in recent times, Thursday’s matchup could bring a high-scoring affair given recent form. Golden State have the third-worst defensive rating on the road this season, while Memphis have conceded an average of 120 points across their three-straight losses.

Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins and Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant will each miss Thursday’s game. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins and Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant will each miss Thursday’s game. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

The Grizzlies’ frontcourt depth is also being tested at present with the absence of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. The former has been out for a significant period with a knee injury, with the latter going down with a devastating torn Achilles last week.

Warriors’ center Kevon Looney is probable for the contest, having come off the bench in his team’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The ever-reliable center has played in 177 consecutive regular season games, second in the league behind Mikal Bridges.

Joining Looney as probable is veteran Andre Iguodala who continues to manage hip soreness, along with second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga who’s battling an ankle issue. Memphis rookie Jake LaRavia is questionable with back soreness.

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Golden State won the teams’ first two matchups this season, both at Chase Center by a combined 16 points. However, Memphis have won the last three games at FedExForum against the reigning champions. Combine that with the Warriors’ horrific 7-25 road record, and this appears like a genuine 50-50 game despite the absence of Morant.

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