Is Ja Morant playing tonight against Golden State Warriors? Latest on superstar guard's status for marquee clash (Dec. 19)

Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant's status was in the air for Thursday's marquee matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The point guard was earlier questionable for this game but is upated to available ahead of game.

According to the Grizzlies' injury report, he has a low back soreness. Morant has dealt with the ailment since Dec. 8 after initially injuring his hip on Nov. 7. He played in Sunday's 116-110 loss to the LA Lakers.

If Morant is out, Scotty Pippen Jr. would replace him in the starting lineup. His absence would be a significant blow for the Grizzlies, though. Morant has been in tremendous form lately, averaging 23.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists in Dec. and recording multiple 30-point games.

Ja Morant stats vs. Golden State Warriors

Ja Morant has played 11 games against the Golden State Warriors, averaging 22.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 7.4 apg, shooting on 43/25/75 splits. He's won only five times, registering a losing record against the Grizzlies' conference rivals.

If Morant is upgraded to available, it will be his first game against the Warriors in nearly two years. He last played them on Jan. 25, 2023, tallying 29 points, four rebounds, and 12 assists on 50.0% shooting in a 122-120 loss.

The Grizzlies enter this game on a 10-2 run but are coming off a 116-110 loss to the Lakers. They will hope to bounce back against the struggling Warriors, who have lost eight of their last 10.

However, that relies heavily on Ja Morant suiting up and would take a monumental effort from others in his absence as the Warriors enter this contest relatively healthy.

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Where to watch Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies game?

The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies will headline Thursday's NBA League Pass slate. Meanwhile, NBC Sports Bay Area and FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast will provide the game's coverage in local regions from 8:00 p.m. ET onwards. The Grizzlies enter this contest as a -2.5-point favorite with a -135 money line.