Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (back) won't play on Saturday against the Hawks. The 2019 No. 2 overall pick hasn't played his best this season, averaging 21.2 points. He'll also miss his 12th game after appearing in only nine contests during the 2023-24 campaign. It's unknown if Morant will be ready to go when the Grizzlies play the Clippers on Monday night. But until he is back on the floor, Scotty Pippen Jr. is worth starting, with the 24-year-old averaging 14.3 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 10 appearances with the first-five this season.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks. Smart is dealing with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss Thursday night's 144-93 win over the Golden State Warriors. The veteran had played in 10 straight games before missing Thursday night's action. In those 10 games Smart has mainly been coming off the bench for Memphis, averaging 10.4 PPG and 4.1 APG in that span. With Ja Morant listed as doubtful, Memphis will be hopeful that Smart is able to play through the pain. If not, expect more playing time for Scottie Pippen Jr. and increased usage for Jaylen Wells.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Morant injured his back in the third quarter of the Grizzlies' 144-93 obliteration of the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. The 25-year-old had previously been listed on the injury report with back soreness but was able to play three games in a row. He exited early in the third quarter on Thursday after falling hard on a contested layup. Fantasy managers should expect Scottie Pippen Jr. to slide into the starting lineup. Pippen will make an intriguing fantasy and DFS option as a starter as he's averaged 14.3 PPG and 5.9 APG when he's in the starting lineup.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (shoulder) will not play against the Warriors on Thursday. After initially listing him as doubtful, the team has ruled Smart out for the content. This should result in Scotty Pippen Jr. having a more significant role in the rotation. As a reserve, Pippen Jr. has struggled with providing consistent production this month, averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. However, his lone December outing with 20-plus minutes ended with a double-double for Pippen Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (back) appears good to go for Thursday's matchup against Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has said Morant is expected to play on Thursday. A back problem gave Morant a questionable tag on the injury report. Morant has crushed it in his most recent three appearances, averaging 26.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.