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The Memphis Grizzlies will look to extend their four-game winning streak when they take on the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Cleveland currently boasts the best record in the league and is on an impressive 15-game winning streak, making them a tough challenge for Memphis.
The two teams previously met late last month in a tightly contested game, with the Cavaliers securing a 129-123 victory. Donovan Mitchell led all scorers in the game, with 33 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. was the Grizzlies’ top scorer on the night.
Cleveland has since confirmed that the team will be without Mitchell, who was ruled out on Thursday’s report as he continues to recover from a groin injury. However, Memphis could get a major boost with the possible return of their top performer this season.
Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has been sidelined since March 5 with an ankle sprain that was expected to make him “week-to-week” as he recovered, per the team. Now, he could be making his return against Cleveland.
The Grizzlies released their injury report ahead of the game, listing Jackson questionable.
Jackson’s potential return would be a huge relief for the Grizzlies, who are locked in a tight race for the second seed in the Western Conference, with the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets all in contention.
Before his injury, Jackson was playing at an All-NBA level, averaging 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.7% from the field in 59 appearances this season (via StatMuse).
Memphis Grizzlies vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
On Friday night, the Memphis Grizzlies are hosting the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, who are on a 15-game winning streak.
This will be the second final meeting of the regular season between the two teams. The Grizzlies fell short in their last meeting, in a tightly contested game that ended in a final score of 123-129 on February 23. Ja Morant put up 21 points and 10 assists however, he was outdone by Donovan Mitchell who totaled 33 points and 6 assists.
The Grizzlies will have the chance to push their own winning streak to five while being the team that hands the Cavaliers their first loss in over a month.
The Grizzlies have four players listed on the injury report: Jaren Jackson jr., Santi Aldama, Yuki Kawamura, and Zyon Pullin.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is listed as QUESTIONABLE with a left ankle sprain.
Santi Aldama is out with a right calf strain, Yuki Kawamura is out due to his two-way contract, and Zyon Pullin is out with right patellar tendon surgery recovery.
The Cavaliers have five players listed on their report: Donovan Mitchell, Emoni Bates, De’Andre Hunter, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and Luke Travers.
Donovan Mitchell is OUT with left groin soreness.
Emoni Bates is out due to his two-way contract, De’Andre Hunter is probable with an illness, Nae’Qwan Tomlin is out due to his two-way contract, and Luke Travers is also out due to his two-way contract.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers will face off Friday at 8:00 p.m. EST.
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