Luke Kennard Injury Report: Will Grizzlies shooting guard feature in the game against Thunder

The Memphis Grizzlies face an uphill battle ahead of their clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder, with injury concerns clouding their backcourt. Shooting guard Luke Kennard, a pivotal floor spacer for the team, is listed as questionable for Saturday’s Game 4 due to lingering right Achilles soreness. His potential absence compounds the Grizzlies’ woes, as star point guard Ja Morant (hip) remains sidelined, leaving Memphis scrambling for backcourt depth.

With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, all eyes are on Kennard’s status—will he suit up, or will the Grizzlies lean on untested options in a must-win scenario?

Luke Kennard’s uncertain status

Kennard’s Achilles issue has cast a shadow over Memphis’ playoff aspirations. The sharpshooter, who averaged 11.2 points per game this season on 45% three-point shooting, missed practice earlier this week and is now officially “questionable” for Game 4. Sources close to the team suggest the soreness flared during Game 2, limiting his mobility and forcing the medical staff to proceed with caution.

The timing couldn’t be worse. With Morant already ruled out due to a hip injury, the Grizzlies’ backcourt depth is stretched thin. If Luke Kennard sits, second-year guard Scotty Pippen Jr.—son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen—could shoulder primary ball-handling duties alongside rookie wing GG Jackson. While Pippen has shown flashes of promise, his lack of playoff experience raises questions about Memphis’ ability to counter OKC’s relentless backcourt duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Memphis Grizzlies’ backcourt crisis

Kennard’s potential absence leaves a gaping hole in the Memphis Grizzlies’ offensive scheme. His off-ball movement and elite shooting (ranked top-10 in catch-and-shoot efficiency this season) are irreplaceable for a team already missing Morant’s playmaking. Head coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged the challenge:

“Luke’s health is our priority, but we’re exploring all options to stay competitive.”

Memphis’ reliance on Kennard has grown since Morant’s injury. In Games 1 and 2, Luke Kennard logged 30+ minutes, draining critical threes to keep the Grizzlies within striking distance. Without him, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defense—ranked fourth in the regular season—could aggressively pack the paint, stifling drives from Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Scotty Pippen Jr.: Sink or swim?

If Kennard is sidelined, all eyes turn to Scotty Pippen Jr. The 23-year-old, averaging 4.8 points in limited minutes this season, faces a baptism by fire. His speed and defensive tenacity could disrupt OKC’s rhythm, but his inconsistent shooting (32% from deep) might hand the Thunder a strategic advantage.

Jenkins hinted at a committee approach, potentially deploying veterans like John Konchar or even experimenting with two-big lineups featuring Jackson and Xavier Tillman Sr. However, these adjustments risk disrupting the Memphis Grizzlies’ spacing—a nightmare scenario against OKC’s switch-heavy defense.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s opportunity: Capitalizing on chaos

Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a dominant Game 3 win, smells blood. Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber play (33.5 PPG this series) and Chet Holmgren’s rim protection have exposed Memphis’ thin rotation. With Luke Kennard and Morant out, the Thunder could exploit mismatches and accelerate the tempo to wear down the Grizzlies’ depleted roster.

Memphis’ only hope? A Herculean effort from Bane and Jackson Jr., coupled with unexpected contributions from role players. “We’ve got to step up—no excuses,” Bane told reporters after practice.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ medical staff faces a tough call: risk aggravating Kennard’s Achilles in a high-stakes game or prioritize his long-term health. With the series slipping away, Jenkins might push for a limited-minute role to keep their offense afloat. However, recurring soreness suggests caution is warranted.

As tip-off approaches, Memphis fans cling to hope. But without Kennard’s shooting—and Morant’s magic—the Oklahoma City Thunder’s path to a series-clinching win looks clearer than ever.