GAME PREVIEW: Heat aim to bounce back in Memphis versus Ja Morant and the Grizzlies

Following the Miami Heat’s close opening night loss in Orlando, they will remain on the road to travel and face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Miami looked encouraging throughout most of the game in their previous loss. However, late-game turnovers and giving up offensive rebounds led to them falling just short.

Going back to last year’s playoffs, this season’s preseason and that matchup against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday of this week— the Heat have gone 0-11 in that span. It’s safe to say that a bounce back is very much needed.

For tonight, Grizzlies star Ja Morant is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. His status will play a heavy factor on Miami’s game plan and ability to win. The Heat have not won a game against Memphis since January of 2023.

Most of the Heat starters put up solid outings in their previous game, led by Norman Powell’s team-high 28 points in his debut. Look for Powell to continue being a featured part of coach Erik Spoelstra’s offense, especially while Tyler Herro remains sidelined. Kel’el Ware’s role and minutes will be another factor worth monitoring, as the talented big man only played 14 minutes in the season opener— despite a strong preseason showing.

Tonight’s game in Memphis will tip-off at 8:00 PM EST on FanDuel Sports Sun.

Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):

Miami Heat:

• Tyler Herro (foot) — OUT
• Kasparas Jakucionis (groin) — OUT
• Terry Rozier (not with team) — OUT

Memphis Grizzlies:

• Ja Morant (ankle) — QUESTIONABLE
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle) — QUESTIONABLE
• Ty Jerome (calf) — OUT
• Brandon Clarke (knee) — OUT
• Zach Edey (ankle) — OUT
• Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) — OUT
• Vince Williams Jr. (heel) — OUT

Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):

Miami Heat:

• Davion Mitchell, G
• Norman Powell, G
• Andrew Wiggins, F
• Nikola Jovic, F
• Bam Adebayo, C

Memphis Grizzlies:

• Ja Morant, G
• Jaylen Wells, G
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F
• Jaren Jackson Jr., F
• Jock Landale, C

Broadcast Info:

• Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
• TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
• Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
• Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)

Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!

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