Dariq

Whitehead

Whitehead scored 16 of his 21 points in the first half, and he ended up sitting most the way after that, which prevented him from having a bigger night. The former five-star prospect never figured things out due to injuries, but he is still a talented young scorer. He has been able to prove that while on a 10-day for Memphis, but it will take more than that for him to earn a standard contract ahead of next season.

The Grizzlies are extremely light on bodies for Friday’s game, and they’re rolling out another new starting lineup. Mashack and Okani are the only holdovers from Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets, with Williamson, Whitehead and Bal moving from the bench to the starting five.

Coward joins the long list of Grizzlies players who won’t be available for Friday’s game. Adama Bal and Dariq Whitehead should play plenty due to the injuries, with the former logging 39 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets.

Mashack has missed Memphis’ last two games, with his absence contributing to increased playing time for Dariq Whitehead and Adama Bal. Even if Mashack returns on Wednesday, minutes won’t be an issue for Whitehead or Bal.

Similar to his teammate Adama Bal, Whitehead also came off the bench, drained six three-pointers, and finished with 20 points. The points and triples were both season-highs for the third-year guard, who played in his third game of the season on Monday. He hasn’t gotten many opportunities this season, but may continue playing a large role off the bench to end the season.

Mashack remains in concussion protocol and will miss a second consecutive game. Dariq Whitehead and Adama Bal are two players who have logged rotation minutes recently, and that should remain the case on Monday.

Due to injuries, Whitehead was one of four Grizzlies to play at least 36 minutes on Sunday. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but give the former first-round pick credit for not getting cheated on his attempts. Toby Okani (nine points, four rebounds, one steal and one three-pointer) played 41 minutes and Lucas Williamson (5/3/4/1 with one three-pointer) played 36 on Sunday; in addition to Whitehead, those two should play plenty in Week 24.

Small joins the long list of Grizzlies guards who will not be available for Sunday’s game. If Walter Clayton Jr. (hip) can play after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Raptors, he’s likely to be the starting point guard. If not, Dariq Whitehead and Lucas Williamson may have to fill the void. There’s no need to stream either of them in that scenario.

Already without Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer, the Grizzlies won’t have Clayton for Friday’s game, either. Jahmai Mashack and Javon Small will have important roles due to the Grizzlies’ limited depth, and Dariq Whitehead could make his debut after being inked to a 10-day contract.

The 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Whitehead struggled to stay healthy throughout his time with the Nets. Waived just before the end of training camp in October, he has spent this season with Oklahoma City’s G League affiliate before Thursday’s move to Memphis. Whitehead will look to use this opportunity as a springboard into something more secure for the 2026-27 campaign.