NBA: Cedric Coward ailing as Grizzlies host Spurs

The Memphis Grizzlies continue to struggle with injuries during a season already marked by star guard Ja Morant missing roughly half of the team’s 35 games. Now, rookie Cedric Coward, a bright spot for Memphis this season, has joined the growing list of sidelined players.

Coward, who had only missed one game this season due to heel soreness, will sit out Tuesday’s game against the visiting San Antonio Spurs with a left ankle injury. He sustained the injury in the first half of Sunday’s 120-114 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and did not return, as the Grizzlies dropped their fourth consecutive game. Morant also missed the game, sidelined with a right calf contusion suffered two days earlier against the Lakers.

Morant has appeared in just 18 games this season and is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup. Reserve guards Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) and Ty Jerome (calf) have yet to play this season due to injuries. Forward Brandon Clarke, who briefly returned last month after a knee issue, was sidelined again, while starting big man Zach Edey remains out with a stress reaction in his surgically repaired left ankle.

Additionally, reserve wings John Konchar (thumb) and Vince Williams Jr. (knee), who has occasionally been pressed into emergency point guard duties, are also out.

Before leaving Sunday’s game, Coward had contributed 16 points and eight rebounds in just over 12 minutes. “I thought he played a great game, but he only got to play 12-and-a-half minutes,” said Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo.

Coward’s absence could have a significant impact. He has logged the fourth-most minutes for Memphis this season, trailing only Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Jaylen Wells. His defensive rebounding percentage of 16.1% ranks third on the team behind Edey (25%) and Aldama (16.4%).

The Grizzlies will look to rebound during a stretch of seven home games over their next nine contests, with two away games against the Orlando Magic in Berlin and London.

Memphis had held a four-point lead entering the fourth quarter against the Lakers but was unable to maintain it. LeBron James and Luka Doncic dominated the final 12 minutes. Cam Spencer, filling in for Morant, struggled offensively, missing nine of 10 field goals, including all five three-point attempts.

The Spurs, meanwhile, have faced injuries of their own. Victor Wembanyama, a potential NBA MVP, missed Saturday’s 115-110 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers with left knee soreness. Coach Mitch Johnson indicated Wembanyama will travel to Memphis and could be available. He is listed as questionable on Monday’s injury report.

Even without Wembanyama, Johnson expected a stronger effort. “Guys were not playing with their instincts,” he said. “If we continue to guard like we do at the start of games, teams will continue to shoot like they have.”

Portland’s Luka Kornet led the way with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five blocked shots, while Julian Champagnie added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and De’Aaron Fox scored 19. The Spurs have won seven of their last 10 games.

—Field Level Media/Reuters