Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA announced Thursday the Memphis Grizzlies' next three games have been postponed because of the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The following has been announced by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/GUIfbmBZTB

— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2021

Memphis previously had two other matchups postponed, Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The NBA is now up to 20 postponements during the 2020-21 season, a rapid ascent that started Jan. 10 after the league went nearly two weeks without calling off any games.

The NBA is erring on the side of caution with what still appears to be isolated COVID-19 exposure within the Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. These postponements aren't a result of several individuals being placed into the league's Health and Safety protocol.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2021

Although limited details about the Grizzlies' situation have been released, Memphis guard Ja Morant told David Aldridge of The Athletic on Monday he hoped the league would be able to weather the storm:

"I love the game of basketball, so if I have the chance to play it, I will. I also feel like COVID is a big thing going on right now. We still have to be safe. I feel like the league's doing a great job, from last season to even this season, trying to stop it, make sure we keep the games going and everybody staying safe and healthy. I feel like as long as everybody locks into it, hold each other accountable and also their self, I feel like the season will be fine to continue to go on."

In mid-January, the NBA announced updated protocols to help reduce the spread between players.

In addition, the league decided to release its schedule in two parts, with the second half set to be announced tiward the end of the first half so the league could best plan for any postponements that can't be made up before the first half comes to a close in early March.

The Grizzlies sit seventh in the Western Conference with a 7-6 record as they head into what will be at least a four-game pause.

Their next chance to take the court is scheduled to come Wednesday, Jan. 27, against the Chicago Bulls.

The Memphis Grizzlies will be without big man Jonas Valanciunas for Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the center is listed as "out" because he entered the NBA's health and safety protocols that were put in place as the league attempts to play its 2020-21 campaign amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Valanciunas played in Memphis' victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday and finished with nine points and seven rebounds.

The big man is a double-double machine when on the floor and is averaging 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds in just 26.8 minutes per game.

It is more of the same after he averaged a double-double of 14.9 points and 11.3 rebounds per game in his first full season with the Grizzlies in 2019-20. Valanciunas was also a solid contributor for the Toronto Raptors from 2012-13 until they traded him during the 2018-19 season before they won a title.

Look for Memphis to rely on the combination of Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman and Gorgui Dieng in the frontcourt until Valanciunas returns.

The news on Valanciunas comes as the league announced Sunday's game between the 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed because Philadelphia does not have the minimum number of eight available players following Saturday's game against Memphis.

Wojnarowski reported the postponement is because of contract tracing with the 76ers after that game.

It is one of a number of contests that have been postponed as the league attempts to navigate the difficulties of playing inside home markets instead of a bubble during the pandemic.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is sidelined for the next three to five weeks after suffering a Grade 2 ankle sprain, but coach Taylor Jenkins is glad that the consequences of the injury stop there.

"It could've been a lot worse," Jenkins told Evan Barnes of the Commercial Appeal (h/t Grizzly Bear Blues). "It wasn't something that was going to need surgery." 

Morant landed awkwardly on the foot of Brooklyn Nets forward Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and came off the court in a wheelchair on Monday.  

The No. 2 pick in last year's draft, the Murray State product proved himself during his first year in the league, averaging 17.8 points on 47.7 percent shooting from the field and adding 7.3 assists per game. He was named the league's Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

Before the injury, he continued to show that he was a deserving recipient of the award. He averaged 26.3 points with 6.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds through three games for the 1-2 Grizzlies. With that sort of star power, Morant's success is largely what will chart the course for Memphis moving forward. 

The Grizzlies will face their first test without Morant when they face the 2-2 Boston Celtics on the road Wednesday night. In place of the breakout star, Tyus Jones will get the starting nod at point guard. 

Jones is in his sixth year in the league and his second in Memphis following four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he started 34 total games before starting in six last year.

Through 21.3 minutes in three games off the bench this season, the 24-year-old has averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds. 

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will be unavailable for three to five weeks after he suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain in Monday's 116-111 overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Morant was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair after landing on the foot of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot in the second quarter.

Ja was taken off the floor in a wheelchair after an apparent lower leg injury

Prayers up 🙏 https://t.co/OBY7QVjAcK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2020

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Morant's X-rays didn't show any fracture and the team was awaiting results from an MRI before providing an official diagnosis. 

Memphis selected Morant with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA draft to become the new face of the franchise. The Murray State alum more than lived up to the hype during his first season. He averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game with a 47.7 field-goal percentage to win NBA Rookie of the Year. 

Expectations for the Grizzlies this season depend on Morant's health. The 21-year-old was off to a hot start, averaging 26.3 points in three games before injuring his ankle. 

Until Morant can get back on the court, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins will turn to Tyus Jones as his primary point guard. 

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant left Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter with a left ankle sprain. 

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Morant's X-rays showed no fracture in the ankle, but the team is awaiting an MRI Tuesday to confirm.

Morant was defending a shot by Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and his left ankle bent awkwardly as he landed. Trainers tended to him away from the court before placing him in a wheelchair.

Ja was taken off the floor in a wheelchair after an apparent lower leg injury

Prayers up 🙏 https://t.co/OBY7QVjAcK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2020

He was back on the bench in the second half but had a boot on his left foot.

🙏 💙 pic.twitter.com/IbYiKytYj8

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 29, 2020

The 21-year-old has quickly become one of the most valuable players in the league after being selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He entered the day averaging 36.0 points and 8.0 assists through the first two games.

Morant burst onto the scene during his first season, exceeding the already-high expectations with 17.8 points, 7.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Not only did he win Rookie of the Year, but he was also the go-to option for a team that contended for a playoff spot all year after many projected it would finish with one of the worst records in the NBA.

Memphis finished the regular season ninth in the Western Conference but lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the play-in series for a postseason spot.

The Grizzlies now have even higher expectations in 2020-21, but a healthy Morant is a key part of that.

Tyus Jones will have a bigger role until the Murray State product returns to full strength.

It only took two games for Ja Morant's frustration with the referees to boil over this season. 

Following Saturday's 122-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Memphis Grizzlies star said that he wasn't getting respect from the officials after he was called for a technical foul earlier in the night. When asked if that's part of being a second-year player in the league, Morant bristled at the notion.

Ja Morant said if getting a tech is what he has to do to get calls he's going to get them.

"When somebody is fed up, that's what happens."

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) December 27, 2020

I followed up on the Ja Morant comments and ask if he thinks more years in the league will help him get calls.

His answer: "That's a question that needs an answer. I don't know."

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) December 27, 2020

The Grizzlies star finished with 28 points, seven assists and three rebounds, but Memphis fell to 0-2 on the year. He shot just eight free throws, connecting on six of them. 

Morant wants to make sure he's afforded the benefit of doubt as his team continues to develop. He's not worried about speaking up against the league, either, if it helps make his point. 

Led by NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team on the rise in the loaded Western Conference. But there's a problem: They aren't alone.

The Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans are also hoping to begin climbing the West standings in 2021, while a return to full strength should make the Golden State Warriors a threat once again. Add in last season's playoff teams, and the postseason race will be fierce.

It's going to put a lot of pressure on the young core of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks to take another major step in their development to keep pace and ultimately earn a playoff berth.

Let's check out all of the key details for Memphis' upcoming campaign following the NBA's first-half schedule release on Friday. That's followed by a season preview and a record prediction.

               

2020-21 Grizzlies Schedule Details

Season Opener: Dec. 23 vs. San Antonio Spurs

Championship Odds: 100-1 (via FanDuel Sportsbook)

First-Half Schedule: NBA.com

             

Top Matchups

Phoenix Suns: Jan. 18

The final seeds in the West will likely be decided by a few games, which will make the head-to-head contests among the teams in the race paramount throughout the regular season.

Memphis and Phoenix both narrowly missed the playoffs last season, with the Suns going 8-0 in the bubble to make a major statement about their impending rise despite falling short of the eighth seed.

The Grizzlies won three of the four meetings between the teams last year, though all of the games were decided by nine points or less, showing just how close the squads were. It should be a similar scenario this season.

             

New Orleans Pelicans: Feb. 6

Morant and Zion Williamson will forever be linked as the first two picks of the 2019 NBA draft, and one day in the not-too-distant future, they may battle for Western Conference supremacy. For now, though, their teams' battles will be crucial in the playoff race.

The Pelicans won all three meetings last season, including two after Williamson returned from a knee injury. But the Grizzlies point guard struggled in that pair of contests, scoring just 27 points combined.

Lonzo Ball is a much-improved defender and creates some problems for Morant with his length, which will put some extra pressure on the rest of the Memphis roster when they face New Orleans.

             

Season Forecast

The Western Conference will be highly entertaining to track all year because every game is going to matter. A razor-thin margin exists between a handful of teams that are most likely to populate the bottom half of the playoff picture.

In turn, it's possible Memphis continues to improve after steady progress over the past two years, but it may not be reflected with a major jump in its winning percentage.

A lot more will probably depend on the development of Jackson and Brooks than Morant, who's almost assuredly on the fast track toward stardom. If the other two can take a leap of their own, then the Grizzlies become a lot more dangerous.

The uncertainty gives a wide range to their potential record. Their win total could fluctuate anywhere from around 40 to the upper-20s.

Most likely, they'll land somewhere in the middle, and the games against other fringe contenders will decide whether they return to the playoffs.

    

Record Prediction: 35-37

Ja Morant had a brilliant debut season for the Memphis Grizzlies, but the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year has revealed he ended the year in rough physical shape. 

In a profile by Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Morant confirmed he played with a "significant upper leg injury" during the season restart in the bubble near Orlando, Florida. 

"I will be honest now. I was in a lot of pain," he said. "But, I was trying to do whatever I could to help my team win. I wanted to make it to the playoffs, therefore I had to put my body on the line and fought with my teammates."

In addition to his leg injury, Morant announced after Memphis' season ended with a 126-122 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the play-in game that he played the last four games with a broken thumb. 

"For the past four games, since the Raptors game, I was out there playing with a fractured thumb," he told reporters.

There were indications that Morant wasn't completely right during the season restart. The 21-year-old did average 19.0 points, 9.9 assists and 6.4 rebounds in those eight games, but he only shot 39.4 percent from the field and 22.5 percent from three-point range. 

In his first 59 games prior to the season being suspended on March 11, Morant connected on 49.1 percent of his field-goal attempts and 36.7 percent of his three-pointers. 

Despite the late-season injuries, Morant emerged as a superstar in his rookie campaign. He led all first-year players with 7.3 assists per game and ranked second in scoring with 17.8 points per contest. 

Restricted free agent point guard De'Anthony Melton reportedly agreed to a four-year, $35 million contract to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Melton was a second-round pick out of USC in 2018 who spent one season with the Phoenix Suns before getting traded to Memphis last offseason.

In his one season as a member of the Grizzlies, Melton appeared in 60 games and made eight starts, averaging 7.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.

Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant is the present and future of the point guard position in Memphis, as he averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game during his debut season.

Committing so many years and so much money to Melton suggests the Grizzlies feel comfortable with him backing up Morant and serving as a fill-in starter if need be, however.

It could also be a sign that Memphis intends to move on from backup point guard Tyus Jones, who has two years remaining on his contract and $8 million-plus cap hits in each season.

Another option for the Grizzlies is keeping Jones and utilizing Morant and Melton on the floor together at times. Although that would represent a small backcourt pairing, it would give Memphis a leg up in terms of speed, quickness and ball-handling ability.

The Grizzlies went just 34-39 last season, but they nearly made the playoffs, as they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the play-in game for the Western Conference's No. 8 seed.

Despite the disappointing end to 2019-20, the Grizzlies have high hopes in 2020-21 and beyond thanks to a core that includes Morant and Melton, as well as forwards Jaren Jackson Jr., Justise Winslow and Dillon Brooks, plus center Jonas Valanciunas.

The Grizzlies have a young, talented roster poised to develop together, and even though he is likely to serve primarily as a bench player, the 22-year-old Melton could be a big part of the team's success.

Ja Morant received many accolades during his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, but the city's zoo found a unique way to immortalize the 21-year-old superstar. 

On Thursday, the Memphis Zoo announced it has named its new giraffe Ja Raffe in honor of the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year. 

The @MemphisZoo named their newest giraffe after @JaMorant 😂

His name is "Ja Raffe”

(via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/yZsS4B8f2k

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 19, 2020

Ja Raffe was born on Nov. 10 to Niklas and Angela Kate. The pair previously had a baby girl in 2017 that the Memphis Zoo named Panya. The newest addition to the herd gives the Memphis Zoo a total of seven giraffes.

Morant needed no time to become the most celebrated professional athlete in Memphis. He was selected No. 2 overall in the 2019 NBA draft, averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists in 67 starts and led the Grizzlies to the play-in game against the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. 

The Murray State product became the second player in franchise history to be named NBA Rookie of the Year, joining Pau Gasol in 2001-02.