Grizzlies' Eight Highest-Paid Players Out for Tank Matchup vs. Nets

Memphis will have only eight available players, none of them traditional centers, for the key tank battle against Brooklyn.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Memphis Grizzlies have unveiled a lengthy injury report ahead of their Monday matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, with their eight highest-paid players all listed as out or doubtful. This includes stars like Ja Morant, Zach Edey, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Grizzlies will be left with only eight available players, none of them traditional centers, as they look to improve their draft lottery positioning against the Nets.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies and Nets are both jockeying for position in the NBA's tight tank race, with Memphis currently sitting in eighth place in the draft lottery standings. This matchup represents a key opportunity for both teams to gain ground, making the Grizzlies' extensive injury report all the more significant.

The details

The Grizzlies will be without their eight highest-paid players, including Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke, and Taj Gibson. Additionally, Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome, Scottie Pippen Jr., and Taylor Hendricks are listed as doubtful. This leaves the Grizzlies with only eight available players, all of whom are on rookie contracts, minimum deals, or two-way contracts. Notably, the team will not have a traditional center in the lineup.

  • The Grizzlies and Nets are set to face off on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Ja Morant

The Grizzlies' star point guard and one of the team's highest-paid players.

Zach Edey

A key member of the Grizzlies' frontcourt and one of their highest-paid players.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

A veteran guard and one of the Grizzlies' highest-paid players.

Brooklyn Nets

The Grizzlies' opponent, who are also jockeying for position in the NBA's tight tank race.

Michael Porter Jr.

A Nets player who is resting for this game after playing 39 minutes in their previous outing.

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What they’re saying

“We must do what's best for the team and our long-term future, even if that means sitting out some of our top players for this key tank matchup.”

— Taylor Jenkins, Head Coach, Memphis Grizzlies (Memphis Commercial Appeal)

What’s next

The Grizzlies will look to continue their tank efforts in their next game, while the Nets will aim to capitalize on the Grizzlies' depleted roster and improve their own draft lottery positioning.

The takeaway

This game highlights the Grizzlies' commitment to their long-term rebuilding efforts, even if it means sitting out their highest-paid players for a key tank matchup. The Nets, meanwhile, will look to take advantage of the Grizzlies' injury-depleted roster as they too jockey for position in the NBA's tight tank race.