Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets - News - December 14, 2023

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Amen Thompson - Questionable to play FridayThompson (illness) is questionable to play Friday against the Grizzlies.

ImpactThompson's rookie season has been marred by injuries, and he has made just two appearances off the bench since the beginning of November. Even if he's available Friday, Thompson shouldn't see significant minutes off the bench. He's averaging 5.4 points and 3.2 rebounds across 15.4 minutes this season.

DECEMBER 14, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Desmond Bane - Questionable to play FridayBane (illness) is questionable to play against the Rockets on Friday.

ImpactBane missed his first game of the season Wednesday, and it doesn't sound like he's particularly close to returning for the second half of this home-and-home series against Houston. If Bane can't go, then Vince Williams might be in line for an increased role, just like he did Wednesday. Bane is averaging 24.8 points per game this season, and his absence would represent a huge blow to an already depleted Grizzlies backcourt that's already missing Ja Morant (suspension) and Marcus Smart (foot).

DECEMBER 14, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Ja Morant set for comeback, 'understands the process' that has led to his return after suspension

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies have been counting down the days until the two-time All-Star’s 25-game suspension ends.

DECEMBER 14, 2023

Ja Morant set for comeback, 'understands the process' that has led to his return after suspension

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies have been counting down the days until the two-time All-Star’s 25-game suspension ends

DECEMBER 14, 2023•ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tari Eason - Shines off bench once againEason logged 25 points (10-16 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 117-104 win over Memphis.

ImpactEason was upgraded from questionable to available before tip-off despite dealing with left lower leg soreness, but it's clear the injury didn't seem to bother him, as he was one of Houston's best players despite coming off the bench. Eason seems to be trending up after scoring 18 or more points in his last two outings, and he should remain one of Houston's first options off the bench for the foreseeable future.

DECEMBER 14, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Jabari Smith Jr. - Efficient double-double WednesdaySmith ended with 20 points (7-10 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 3-6 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 117-104 win over the Grizzlies.

ImpactSmith missed just three of his shots from the field -- with two of those being attempts from beyond the arc -- and stepped up offensively after scoring 10 or fewer points in four games in a row. Putting that poor stretch aside, Smith has been a consistent double-digit scorer for the Rockets this season while showing a marked improvement compared to his rookie year. Smith is averaging 12.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game this season, putting up career-best numbers in all three categories.

DECEMBER 14, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Fred VanVleet - Comes close to double-doubleVanVleet had 11 points (2-8 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 7-9 FT), five rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 39 minutes during Wednesday's 117-104 victory over the Grizzlies.

ImpactVanVleet didn't have a good shooting performance, and his efficiency from the charity stripe ultimately saved his scoring output -- and his overall fantasy stat line. However, the veteran floor general hasn't been able to replicate the same scoring numbers he had with the Raptors. He's averaging just 16.4 points per game, a noticeable drop considering he never averaged fewer than 17.0 points per contest in any of his previous four seasons with Toronto.

DECEMBER 14, 2023•ROTOWIRE

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets - News: Dec 14, 2023

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Ja Morant set for comeback, 'understands the process' that has led to his return after suspension

Ja Morant set for comeback, 'understands the process' that has led to his return after suspension