Ja Morant ($7,800) missed this past Sunday’s 120-114 loss to the Lakers, and after initially being listed as questionable for Tuesday’s matchup vs. the Spurs, Morant has been downgraded to doubtful with a calf contusion. Meanwhile, Vince Williams Jr. ($4,800, knee) has been upgraded to probable.
It has been a disastrous season for Morant. The guard is averaging 19 PPG on 40% shooting –– both of which are career lows –– and the Grizzlies are an ugly 6-12 with Morant active, compared to 9-8 with him inactive. In terms of net rating, Memphis is dramatically better with Morant off the floor at 1.4, compared to a terrible -7.4 with him on the floor.
Memphis exploring possible trades for Morant ahead of next month’s trade deadline feels likely and with him sidelined Tuesday, GG Jackson ($3,900) is the top candidate to start with Cedric Coward (ankle) also out.
With both Morant and Coward inactive on December 23 vs. the Jazz, Jackson started and scored 33.75 FPTS across 29.3 minutes. If starting again, Jackson will be a compelling punt play on DraftKings for Tuesday’s five-game slate. Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8,000), Santi Aldama ($7,000), and Cam Spencer ($6,000) will all benefit from expanded roles with Morant sidelined.
Even though the Grizzlies have been better without Morant this season, Memphis has moved to a 7.5-point underdog vs. the Spurs on DraftKings Sportsbook with Morant being downgraded to doubtful, after opening as 5.5-point underdogs. With Morant inactive this season, the Grizzlies are 9-9 ATS.
