Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant out for game vs Denver Nuggets with illness

The Memphis Grizzlies will be shorthanded at guard again Thursday night, as star point guard Ja Morant will not be playing against the Nuggets in Denver due to an illness.

Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama will also miss the game with an illness.

Memphis has won four consecutive games since Morant made his season debut following a 25-game suspension. He has averaged 28.8 points and 8.5 assists and was named the Western Conference’s Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Marcus Smart, who returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing 17 games because of an injury, likely will fill in as the starting point guard. Smart played the role through most of the first 11 games of the season. Vince Williams Jr. will start in place of Morant.

Derrick Rose and Luke Kennard also remain out due to injuries. Jacob Gilyard and John Konchar are some of the remaining options for the guard rotation.

Memphis is on the first leg of a back-to-back that includes a road game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

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