The Memphis Grizzlies face a challenging moment as multiple players and staff members contend with a sudden wave of illnesses. Among those affected, forward Santi Aldama and star guard Ja Morant have been ruled out of Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The situation arose after several team members reported cold symptoms overnight.
Santi Aldama exited Wednesday's game after participating in only two quarters due to illness. This setback comes as Aldama is achieving career highs this season, averaging 12.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in his fourth season with the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, Ja Morant, who ranks second in scoring for Memphis with an average of 21.2 points per game, has also been sidelined. Morant has faced a series of interruptions this season due to injuries, having played in 26 games so far.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins provided insight into the team's current predicament.
"We had an off-day yesterday and they just reported some cold symptoms overnight," Taylor Jenkins stated.
The team awoke to find several players experiencing cold symptoms. Coach Jenkins explained that the decision to rest affected players was made after assessing their conditions throughout the day.
"[They] woke up this morning. We opted for rest. Then, as the day went on, they're definitely going to be out tonight. [We're] hopeful for tomorrow. We'll see how they feel," Jenkins added.
The team's management remains optimistic about the players' recovery, hoping for a swift return to full strength. The absence of key players like Morant and Aldama certainly poses a challenge for the Grizzlies as they prepare to face the Pelicans.
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