Scotty

Pippen Jr.

With Ja Morant (foot) ruled out, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins decided to give more of the playmaking responsibilities to Bane rather than inserting Scotty Pippen Jr. into the lineup. And Bane was sensational in San Antonio, mastering the balance of getting his looks and setting up his teammates. Reaching double digits in assists for the second time this month, Bane’s 14 helpers were two shy of his career-high. As for Pippen, he played 16 minutes off the bench and finished with seven points, one rebound, five assists, and one 3-pointer. If Morant remains out, Bane’s fantasy value will increase, especially if he’s given the role he held on Friday.

Listed as questionable on the initial injury report, Morant appears more likely not to play against the Spurs. If he doesn’t play, Scotty Pippen Jr. will be the replacement in the starting lineup, and he’s worth streaming whenever Morant is inactive.

Morant played well in their win over San Antonio on Wednesday, but there is a chance that he isn’t available for part two. If that happens, Scotty Pippen Jr. will likely make a return to the starting unit, where he has been effective this season.

Morant is a late addition to Monday’s injury report, which means his status against Houston is truly up in the air. If he’s unable to go, Scotty Pippen Jr. could replace him in the first unit. Pippen Jr. has averaged 13.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists across 16 starts this season.

Smart was injured during a December 21 game against Atlanta and has not played since. He has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the proximal extensor hood of his right index finger, and while the veteran guard is progressing in his recovery, he is considered week-to-week. Smart’s absence means Scotty Pippen Jr. will continue to play rotation minutes, even with Ja Morant in the lineup.

Morant has been out since injuring his shoulder during a December 27 win over the Pelicans. Scotty Pippen Jr. has been his replacement in the starting lineup and will continue to fill that void if Morant cannot play on Thursday. However, if Ja can play, there isn’t much need to hold onto Pippen in most leagues.

Morant injured his shoulder during Memphis’ December 27 win over New Orleans when he ran into a Daniel Theis screen. The week-to-week timeline means fantasy managers needing a replacement should run to the waiver wire and add Scotty Pippen Jr. While he can be “hit or miss,” Pippen is worth the risk with Morant and Marcus Smart (finger) sidelined.

Generally speaking, Pippen has been a safe streaming option when the Grizzlies are without Ja Morant. Things did not play out that way on Sunday, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder outclassed the shorthanded Grizzlies. Pippen recorded a complete stat line, but it included four turnovers. He’ll look to bounce back when the Grizzlies visit Phoenix on Tuesday, and Pippen will get another start if Morant remains sidelined.

With both Ja Morant (shoulder) and Zach Edey (concussion) sidelined, Memphis will roll out a smaller starting unit for this game, which features JJJ at center. Pippen Jr. will replace Morant, and he has been a must-roster player when he gets to start this season.

Morant suffered a shoulder injury his last time out and didn’t return to Friday’s contest after checking out in the third quarter. It’s unclear how serrious the injury is, but the Grizzlies star will make way for Scottie Pippen to run the offense against OKC.