Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will not appear on friday night, when the New Orleans Pelicans come to the FedEx Forum.
Morant was included on the injury report by Friday morning and was questionable due to illness. Santi Aldama, who also was doubtful to play because of an illness, is also in the stands.
Memphis had an off day on Thursday. Aldama and Morant indicated chills by night, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins stated. Neither player was at Grizzlies shootaround on Friday morning.
Woke up this morning, we decided to take rest,” Jenkins added. “As the day went on, I think they’re definitely going to be out tonight. Hopeful for tomorrow. We’ll see how they feel.”
Memphis (29-15) is 18-8 when Morant is available. In 26 games played, he’s averaging 21.1 points and 7.7 assists per game.
Aldama missed Wednesday’s victory over Hornets because of an illness. He has been one of the most prolific Grizzlies in the current season, but during last two games Aldama shot 2-15 in the court.
The Grizzlies are aiming for their fifth straight win overall and three straight over the Pelicans (12-29).
[…] Memphis (30-15) has closed out five stretch, while Utah (10-32) has lost four and is in last place in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies are 12-7 when Morant is not in the game and 18-8 when Morant is in the game. […]