With Ja Morant questionable due to an illness, the Grizzlies begin a critical stretch of games against likely playoff teams.

Marcus Smart made critical winning plays in his return from a foot sprain that had sidelined him since mid-November. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 116, Pelicans 115 (OT)

Grizzlies Insider: Should Marcus Smart start for the Grizzlies?

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime at Smoothie King Arena n New Orleans, Louisiana, on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.

Ja Morant averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds in his first three games this season. 

Vince Williams Jr. has done plenty to prove he deserves to be a starter, but the Grizzlies need to see what Ja Morant and Marcus Smart look like together on the court. 

Marcus Smart, in his first year with the Grizzlies, has not played since he injured left his foot Nov. 14, missing the last 16 games Memphis has played.

Opposing coaches Quin Snyder, Rick Carlisle and Willie Green explain why defending the Grizzlies with Ja Morant in the lineup is so challenging. “You have to try to be perfect,” Snyder said. 

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. combined for 87 points on Saturday. It is the third straight game they have each scored 20 or more points. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 125, Hawks 119

NBA box score for Saturday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks. 

The Grizzlies’ points per 100 possessions before Morant’s return were dead last in the NBA. In his two games back, they’re now the sixth-best offense. 

Ja Morant was back at FedExForum Thursday. But you know what else was back? Fun! It suddenly seems like a whole new season for the Grizzlies. And in this season, the Grizzlies are a perfect 2-0.

In Ja Morant’s return game, it was all three of Memphis stars who pushed the Grizzlies to a win. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 116, Pacers 103

Grizzlies Insider: Ja Morant shares thoughts on home return, Pacers matchup

‘What crime did he commit?’: Tee Morant talks Ja’s return on NBA XM radio

The Memphis Grizzlies played the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Tee Morant shared how he believes people should view his son, Ja, with the show hosts.

Ja Morant said playing in FedExForum is like playing in front of family and he can’t wait to feel the love from Memphis fans again.

Depending on the ruling, the focus could shift to plaintiff Joshua Holloway’s team to show Morant can be held liable.

“Morant used a hesitation dribble and spin move to get the ball into the lane and over New Orleans’ Herb Jones, one of the NBA’s best defenders. Right at the buzzer. Welcome back.”

Yes, Ja Morant really did that. He really did score 34 points — and the winning bucket — in his return to NBA basketball. It was a night already part of Grizzlies lore. And it should give Memphians real hope.

Ja Morant said he wasn’t going for a historic performance in his return on Tuesday night. He did one better than that. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 115, Pelicans 113

NBA box score for Tuesday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans.

Lofton Jr. appeared in 39 games and averaged 4.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in 7.1 minutes over two seasons with the Grizzlies.

Cold shooting night in Oklahoma sends Grizzlies to loss in the final game before Ja Morant returns Tuesday in New Orleans.

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Box score: Thunder 116, Grizzlies 97

Grizzlies release Kenneth Lofton Jr.

Grizzlies Insider: Can Memphis win like Memphis of old?

Here is the box score for the the Memphis Grizzlies’ game against Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center Monday, Dec. 18.

If the Grizzlies want any chance to make the play-in when Ja Morant returns, they will need to win at a 60% clip like the last two seasons. 

“Ja Morant will return to the Grizzlies and with that, a new project begins: Restoration, both of his place among the brightest young stars in the NBA constellation and his team’s place as a young contender.”