Injury-Plagued Western Conference Showdown: Grizzlies vs Warriors
The Memphis Grizzlies will travel to Chase Center on February 9, 2026, to face the Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference game that has been significantly impacted by injuries on both sides. With the regular season approaching its final stretch, this matchup carries added importance for teams striving to maintain competitive positioning in the standings.
Comprehensive Injury Reports for Both Teams
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Status:
- Ja Morant (PG) - Out with a sprained left elbow UCL
- Santi Aldama (C) - Out for right knee injury management
- Zach Edey (C) - Out with stress reaction in left ankle; re-evaluation in six weeks
- Brandon Clarke (F) - Out with Grade 2 right calf strain; expected back in 4-6 weeks
- Walter Clayton Jr. (G) - Questionable with right calf contusion
Golden State Warriors Injury Status:
- Stephen Curry (PG) - Out with right patellofemoral pain syndrome; expected back around February 11
- Kristaps Porzingis (C) - Out with left Achilles injury; expected back around February 19
- Seth Curry (G) - Out with left sciatic nerve irritation
- L.J. Cryer (G) - Questionable with left hamstring issue
Season Series and Previous Meeting Analysis
The Golden State Warriors currently lead the season series 1-0 after their initial meeting on October 27, 2025. In that game, the Warriors secured a 131-131 victory behind Jonathan Kuminga's impressive 25-point performance. Memphis's Ja Morant contributed 23 points in the losing effort.
The teams are scheduled to complete their three-game season series on February 25, 2026, in Memphis. However, both rosters have undergone significant changes due to the current injury situations affecting key players.
Team Statistics Snapshot for 2025-26 Season
Memphis Grizzlies Team Stats:
- Record: 20-31 (.392 winning percentage)
- Points per game: 115.3
- Rebounds per game: 45.5
- Assists per game: 28.7
- Steals per game: 8.0
- Blocks per game: 5.06
- Field goal percentage: 45.7%
- Three-point percentage: 35.1%
Golden State Warriors Team Stats:
- Record: 28-25 (.528 winning percentage)
- Points per game: 115.6
- Rebounds per game: 42.6
- Assists per game: 28.7
- Steals per game: 10.0
- Blocks per game: 4.51
- Field goal percentage: 46.0%
- Three-point percentage: 36.3%
How Injuries Will Impact Game Strategy
Memphis Grizzlies' Adjustments: The absence of Ja Morant eliminates the team's primary ball handler and leading scorer. Injuries to Aldama and Edey significantly reduce frontcourt depth, forcing Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale to shoulder heavier minutes. In the backcourt, Cam Spencer and Cedric Coward are expected to assume expanded roles and responsibilities.
Golden State Warriors' Challenges: Stephen Curry's absence dramatically affects spacing and half-court offensive execution. Without Kristaps Porzingis, the Warriors lose crucial size and rim protection, likely resulting in Draymond Green playing extended minutes at the center position. Perimeter players will need to provide consistent scoring to compensate for these losses.
Key Players to Watch in This Matchup
Memphis Grizzlies Standouts:
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF/C) - Leads the team with 19.2 points per game while averaging 1.5 blocks
- Cam Spencer (PG) - Averaging 5.6 assists and shooting an impressive 46.0% from three-point range
- Jock Landale (C) - Shooting 51.4% from the field while providing essential interior presence
Golden State Warriors Impact Players:
- Draymond Green (PF) - Averaging 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists while directing the defensive scheme
- Moses Moody (SG) - Shooting 40.2% from three-point range with increased offensive responsibility
- Brandin Podziemski (G/F) - Averaging approximately 11.2 points and 4.8 rebounds with expanded playmaking duties
Game Outlook and Strategic Considerations
While Golden State holds the better record and home court advantage, both teams face significant challenges due to multiple starter absences. Memphis must adapt without Morant, Aldama, Edey, and Clarke, while Golden State navigates the game without both Curry brothers and Porzingis.
Memphis is likely to focus on interior scoring through Jaren Jackson Jr., while Golden State will depend heavily on outside shooting and enhanced ball movement. With both teams managing injuries across their rotations, the outcome may hinge on the performances of secondary players stepping into expanded roles.
This Western Conference clash represents a critical test for both franchises as they navigate injury challenges while pursuing playoff positioning in the competitive conference landscape.
