After exiting Thursday’s lopsided win over the Warriors, Ja Morant (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s tilt with the Hawks. To make matters worse, Marcus Smart (shoulder) is listed as questionable.
With Smart sidelined against Golden State and Morant limited to just 17.4 minutes, it was a pretty balanced offensive attack for the Grizzlies. Somewhat surprisingly, it was Santi Aldama leading all Memphis assets with 21 points and a 27.2% usage rate; though it’s difficult to draw too many conclusions from a 51-point drubbing. The entire second-half was basically a Summer League game.
The last time Morant sat out a contest was back on December 8. Scotty Pippen Jr. started in his place and the young guard dropped a 14-point, 12-assist double-double in only 22.3 minutes of action versus the Wizards. If Morant is in street clothes on Saturday, expect to see Pippen, Jaylen Wells and Desmond Bane all take on expanded roles.
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