Ja Morant’s injury woes this season have necessitated a shift for Desmond Bane, who has taken on a new role with the Memphis Grizzlies. Bane, typically a shooting guard, has been filling in as point guard for Morant, who missed his 18th game of the season on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs due to a sore right foot.

In Morant’s absence, Bane showcased his versatility, finishing with a season-high 14 assists—just two shy of his personal best—in a dominant victory over the Spurs. His steady play helped the Grizzlies keep their turnovers to a season-low seven.
If Morant remains sidelined for Monday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins is confident in Bane’s ability to handle the point guard duties once again.
The Grizzlies’ 140-112 win over the Spurs marked San Antonio’s largest margin of defeat this season. Bane also contributed 22 points, continuing his streak of scoring 20 or more points in eight of the last nine games.
Bane’s consistent offensive output has been a key factor for the Grizzlies, who have won three of their last four games, all on the road.
Memphis will kick off a four-game homestand with the matchup against the Timberwolves. In addition to Bane, the Grizzlies are looking for another strong performance from Santi Aldama, who delivered a career-high 29 points and eight rebounds against the Spurs. Aldama’s scoring spree, which included five 3-pointers, sparked a decisive 20-5 run in the third quarter.
The Timberwolves come into the game after a split weekend, defeating the New York Knicks 116-99 on Friday but falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-117 on Saturday. Anthony Edwards shone with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists against the Knicks. Despite strong performances from Edwards and Julius Randle on Saturday, Minnesota couldn’t secure back-to-back wins.
Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points against the Cavaliers, while Randle flirted with a triple-double, contributing 20 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists.
Minnesota has been playing without point guard Donte DiVincenzo, who is out with a left big toe sprain. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch noted that the team’s rebounding struggles were a significant factor in their Saturday loss.