Several key NBA players, including Ja Morant, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, are set to return this week after injuries. Morant, who missed the last eight games for Memphis, is expected to play against the Portland Trail Blazers. Durant and Beal should also be back in the lineup for the Phoenix Suns against the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Suns aim to improve their recent poor performance. Other notable returns include Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum for the New Orleans Pelicans, who are in dire need of reinforcements after a tough stretch.
By the Numbers
- Morant has missed the last eight games; the Grizzlies are 5-4 without him.
- The Pelicans have lost 13 of their last 15 games, putting them at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 4-13 record.
- Durant and Beal both sustained calf strains in early November; the Suns have gone 1-6 without Durant and 0-5 without both stars.
State of Play
- The Memphis Grizzlies are currently seventh in the Western Conference with a 10-7 record.
- The New Orleans Pelicans are last in the West and struggling with injuries to key players.
- The Suns hold an 8-1 start but have slipped to 9-7 without their top players.
What’s Next
As these players return, teams like the Grizzlies and Suns expect immediate improvements in their performance. The Pelicans hope that the returns of Murray and McCollum will help turn their season around. Upcoming games against direct competitors will also be critical for these teams as they attempt to secure better standings in the Western Conference.
Bottom Line
The imminent return of star players like Morant, Durant, and Beal could significantly impact their teams’ success and playoff aspirations. For struggling teams like the Pelicans, reinforcements are essential to avoid further decline in standings. Overall, these returns bring renewed hope for teams aiming for a stronger position in the league.
