After losing six straight games, having rumors come out that their star guard my be unhappy where he is, and firing their head coach, the Sacramento Kings are winners of back-to-back games.
On Friday, they will look to make that three straight games as they host the Memphis Grizzlies. But who will they have available to them when these two teams face off? And who will the Grizzlies have at their disposal? Here is the full injury report for this game.
Sacramento Kings Injury Report
After a rough start on the injury front to begin the season, the Kings are back to the clean bill of health they have had since the start of the 2022-23 season (*knocks wood aggressively*). The only player on the injury report (according to ESPN) is Keegan Murray, who is listed as doubtful for tonight's game (ankle).
For those wondering, doubtful usually means the player has about a 25% chance of playing in that game. So, things are not looking great for Murray. If he doesn't suit up, this would be the second straight game Murray doesn't play in.
The one notable name that is not on the injury report is Devin Carter. The Kings' 2024 first round pick could be making his long-awaited season debut (shoulder). He's already played two games for the Stockton Kings in order to work himself back into game shape. Maybe he'll be ready to go for tonight. In any event, his status will be worth monitoring as we get closer to tip off.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
When it comes to injuries, the Grizzlies are the antithesis of the Kings. Whereas the Kings' injury report is brief, the Grizzlies' injury report compares in length to a college textbook.
As it stands, the Grizzlies have already ruled five players out for this game, and another four carry the questionable designation (meaning they have a 50/50 shot at suiting up). The five players who are for sure out for this game are Ja Morant (shoulder), Santi Aldama (ankle), GG Jackson (foot), Marcus Smart (finger), and Vince Williams Jr. (ankle). Meanwhile, the four whose status are still in question are Brandon Clarke (calf), Zach Edey (concussion protocol), Yuki Kawamura (shoulder), and Jake LaRavia (ankle).
So, the Grizzlies will have to come to Sacramento without their best player (Morant) and several key pieces of their bench. You never want to face an opponent in a hobbled state, but if the Kings have to, the least they can do is take advantage of it.
After this, the Kings will go on the road to play the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, January 5.