Is Grizzlies’ Ja Morant playing tonight? Right knee knocks star point guard out of Game 4 vs. Warriors

The Memphis Grizzlies face a tough test in San Francisco as they look to level the series against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4. 

That challenge becomes exponentially harder without Ja Morant, who will not play in Game 4 after leaving Game 3 in the fourth quarter.

Ja Morant is out tonight, Taylor Jenkins says.

— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) May 10, 2022

Morant suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of Game 3 after Warriors guard Jordan Poole appeared to swipe at his knee. 

Ja Morant looking visibly frustrated on the bench and heads to the back early with a knee/leg injury 🙁#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/XqRqVYRjZc

— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 8, 2022

MORE: Morant injury & Poole accusation, explained: How Warriors, Grizzlies' reaction to deleted tweet raised the ante in 2022 NBA playoffs

The absence isn't unexpected. Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Sunday "there is probably a good chance (Morant) doesn't play" in Game 4.

Taylor Jenkins says "there is probably a good chance he doesn't play tomorrow" when asked about Ja Morant

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 8, 2022

Morant scored a game-high 34 points in Game 3, continuing his electric postseason for the Grizzlies. His potential absence in Game 4 raises plenty of questions for the No. 2 seed, but they'll take plenty of confidence from their exceptional play during the regular season in games Morant missed. 

The 2022 Most Improved Player of the Year missed 25 games this season and the Grizzlies went 20-5 in those games as the team leaned on their defense to squeeze out wins with Jaren Jackson Jr. turning in some monster performances on that side of the floor. 

In Game 3, the Warriors found their offensive touch, piling up 142 points on 63.1 percent shooting from the field and 53.1 percent from beyond the arc and will look to continue their impressive performances at Chase Center. They are unbeaten (4-0) at home in the 2022 NBA playoffs, with an average winning margin of 17.5 points. 

The offense is where the Grizzlies will feel Morant's absence the most. Through three games against the Warriors, he's relentlessly attacked defenders as they struggle to stay in front of him and keep him out of the paint. 

Without Morant, Tyus Jones will likely be inserted into the starting lineup at point guard in his place, with Desmond Bane taking on the backup point guard duties. While he's no Morant, Jones has proven to be an effective floor general this season, averaging 12.7 points, 6.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 23 games as a starter.

"Obviously Ja has been out for a number of games and our guys stepped up beautifully," Jenkins said. "Obviously Tyus would step in a starting role. We just need to rally as a team and move forward and focus on Game 4."

The Grizzlies' depth has been one of their biggest strengths this season and they'll need to find buckets in the backcourt from the likes of Bane, Dillon Brooks (who is back after a one-game suspension), Ziaire Williams and De'Anthony Melton.

What channel is Warriors vs. Grizzlies Game 4 on?

• Date: Monday, May 9
• TV channel: TNT (U.S.), TSN (Canada)
• Live streaming: Sling TV (U.S. only) 

In the United States, Warriors vs. Grizzlies Game 4 will air on TNT. In Canada, the game will be broadcast on TSN.

Viewers in the United States can stream Game 4 on Sling TV.

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MORE: Watch the NBA playoffs on Sling TV (U.S. only)

Warriors vs. Grizzlies start time

• Date: Monday, May 9
• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET | 7:00 p.m. PT

Game 4 of the Warriors vs. Grizzlies series will tip off around 10:00 p.m. ET on Monday, May 9. The game will be played at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Warriors vs. Grizzlies series schedule

Here is the full schedule for the second-round series between the Warriors and Grizzlies:

*if necessary