A pair of teams on opposite sides of the playoff picture in the NBA take the floor in an interconference clash down in the Sunshine State. The Memphis Grizzlies are on the road as they make the trip to face the Orlando Magic Thursday night.
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In the all-time regular season series between the teams, the Grizzlies own a 26-25 advantage and took both meetings last season. That includes a 124-96 home win in the most recent matchup on March 5, 2022.
The Memphis Grizzlies was in action on the road against the Hornets Wednesday night in the front half of a back-to-back set. The Grizzlies downed the Kings 118-108 at home Sunday night in their previous game.
The Grizzlies rank 10th in the league in scoring offense, averaging 115.4 points per game this season. Memphis leads the league in rebounding with 49 boards per game, while the team ranks 12th in assists with 25.1 per game. The Grizzlies are above average defensively, ranking eighth in the league with an average of 111.1 points allowed per game. Ja Morant leads the team with 27.2 points and eight assists per game.
Injury reports: Danny Green (knee) remains out as he works his way back from a torn ACL and LCL. Clarke (hip) missed his second straight game Wednesday while Williams (knee), Jones (non-COVID illness) and Aldama (ankle) were questionable.
The Orlando Magic was at home against the Thunder Wednesday night in the front half of their back-to-back set. The Magic were dropped 119-100 by the Wizards Friday night in their previous game.
Injury reports: Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) remains out with no timetable for return at this point. Okeke (ankle) hasn’t played since November 21 while Jalen Suggs (ankle) has been out since November 25. They are expected to be out until sometime in January at best. Bol (health and safety protocols) was slated to miss Wednesday’s game.
Jalen Suggs will be unavailable for an 18th consecutive game due to his ankle injury, but he’s been practicing recently. Coach Jamahl Mosley said Wednesday there’s a “possibility” that Suggs returns to the court for today’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.