The Memphis Grizzlies became the latest NBA team to get a harsh taste of life without its superstar player on Monday. Ja Morant was sidelined by an ankle injury, and the Grizzlies -- a team fresh off of making a run to first place in the West -- proceeded to get blown out by the Sacramento Kings 133-100.
A handful of teams have already dealt with this dilemma, including the Brooklyn Nets losing three of their past four games with Kevin Durant sidelined by an MCL sprain. The Golden State Warriors without Stephen Curry and the Philadelphia 76ers without Joel Embiid are other examples of how the void of an injured superstar can downgrade a team this year, with each losing ground in the standings as a result.