Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report (Jan. 13): Latest on Ja Morant and Marcus Smart's status

The Memphis Grizzlies are on the road to face the Houston Rockets on Monday for their third encounter of the 2024-25 NBA season, with the Rockets leading 2-0 in their regular season series. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Ahead of the contest, the Grizzlies have five players on their injury report. Marcus Smart, GG Jackson, Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. are listed out for the game while Jay Huff, who is dealing with a left knee issue, is probable to play.

Smart has a partial tear of the proximal extensor hood of his right index finger. He sustained it during Memphis' matchup against the Atlanta Hawks last month and has been progressing well towards a recovery.

Jackson is recovering from the procedure he underwent during the offseason to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He is yet to make his debut in the 2024-25 season and is expected to do so soon.

Spencer sustained a thumb fracture during practice on Thursday. He will undergo surgery and wil be rwillvaluated in three weeks. Meanwhile, Williams is progressing well in his recovery from a Grade 3 right ankle sprain and is expected to make his return soon.

Moreover, Ja Morant is available to play after missing five straight games as he recovered from a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. He sustained the injury during the Dec. 27 win against the New Orleans Pelicans and made his return with a 27-point performance in their loss against the Rockets on Thursday.

Player	Status	Injury
Jay Huff	Probable (GTD)	Knee
Marcus Smart	Out	Finger
GG Jackson	Out	Foot
Cam Spencer	Out	Thumb
Vince Williams Jr.	Out	Ankle

The Memphis Grizzlies will likely deploy a starting lineup of Ja Morant (PG), Desmond Bane (SG), Jaylen Wells (SF), Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF) and Zach Edey (C) for the upcoming game.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets: Preview

Ahead of Monday's matchup, the Grizzlies are third in the Western Conference with a 25-1 record. They have won five of their last 10 contests and are coming off a 127-125 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies' victory charge in the game with 33 points, eight rebounds, one assist and a steal.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets stand second in the West with 25-12 record and have won seven of their last 10 contests. They are currently riding a three-game winning streak after their 119-115 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. Alperen Sengun led Houston's victory charge with his double-double effort of 32 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and a block in the game.