Grizzlies' LaRavia Questionable With Illness Ahead of Spurs Clash

The Memphis Grizzlies could be shorthanded when they take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, as promising young forward Jake LaRavia is questionable to play due to an illness.

LaRavia, the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was a late addition to the Grizzlies’ injury report on Thursday. While the nature and severity of his illness is unknown, his potential absence would be another blow to a Memphis team already dealing with numerous injuries.

The 6'8" LaRavia has been a key contributor off the bench for the Grizzlies this season, providing versatility, energy and outside shooting. In 63 games, he’s averaging 7.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 36.7% from three-point range.

His absence would likely mean more minutes for the likes of Dillon Brooks, Xavier Tillman and rookie David Roddy in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt rotation against the Spurs. Memphis is already without starters Jaren Jackson Jr. (thigh) and Steven Adams (knee) among others.

While neither the Grizzlies nor the Spurs have anything to play for at this point with both teams eliminated from playoff contention, the matchup gives players like LaRavia a chance to make an impression for next season. The rookie has shown flashes of potential as a modern “3-and-D” type player.

Memphis will be hoping LaRavia’s illness is just a minor situation and that he’ll be able to give it a go against San Antonio. But if not, it robs them of another body and limits their options against a Spurs team led by young talents like Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham.

The final determination on LaRavia’s status could come closer to Friday’s 8pm ET tip-off at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. With both teams playing out the string, every available body takes on added importance for evaluation purposes down the stretch.