The Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks enter Friday’s matchup at American Airlines Center shorthanded, with multiple starters and rotation players ruled out. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET as both teams look to halt losing stretches in the Western Conference race.
Memphis will be without Ja Morant, who is sidelined with a left elbow UCL sprain. The 26-year-old guard is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 games, and his absence removes the team’s primary shot creator and downhill threat.
Santi Aldama is out due to right knee injury management after posting 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remains sidelined following right fifth finger surgery, while Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction), and Cedric Coward (right knee posterior capsule sprain) are also unavailable.
Ty Jerome is listed as doubtful with a left thigh contusion. The veteran guard has averaged 19.6 points and 5.6 assists in eight appearances, providing efficient perimeter scoring at 51.5% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range.
Kyle Anderson, who has reportedly agreed to a buyout and is headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves, is listed as not with team.
Memphis enters the night at 21-36, 11th in the West, and has dropped three straight games, including losses to Golden State and Sacramento this week. The Grizzlies swept the first two meetings against Dallas this season, winning 118-104 on November 7 and 102-96 on November 22.
Dallas (21-37) faces an equally extensive report. Kyrie Irving remains out following left knee surgery, while rookie forward Cooper Flagg is sidelined with a left midfoot sprain. Flagg leads the team with 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
The Mavericks have also ruled out Marvin Bagley III (neck sprain) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery). P.J. Washington (left ankle sprain) and Klay Thompson (rest) are listed as doubtful, and Caleb Martin is questionable with low back soreness.
Two-way players Moussa Cisse and Ryan Nembhard are doubtful due to G League assignments, while Miles Kelly is probable on a two-way designation.
