Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is making his return to the NBA after nine games on the sidelines following his suspension.
On March 15, Morant was suspended by the NBA for what Adam Silver called 'conduct detrimental to the league', after Morant was seen "holding a firearm in an intoxicated state while visiting a Denver area nightclub."
According to NBA insider and columnist Adrian Wojnarowski; Morant entered a counseling program in Florida to rehabilitate his behavior and repair the damage to his image.
Morant will make his return against the Houston Rockets, but will come off the bench rather than his usual starting role.
Before his suspension, the two-time All-Star was averaging 27.1 points to go along with 8.2 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game, both of which are the highest marks of his career.
MORE: Where Grizzlies stand as Morant returns ahead of playoffs
Why is Ja Morant coming off the bench vs. Rockets?
NBA Insider Tim McMahon is reporting that Ja Morant will come off the bench in tonight's contest vs the Rockets.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has further clarified that this may be the case for "the next couple of games".
Ja Morant will come off the bench tonight vs. Rockets, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “That might be the case for a couple of games,” Jenkins said.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 22, 2023
Grizzlies schedule 2022-23
Here are Memphis' next five games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 22 | vs. Rockets | 8 p.m. | — |
| March 24 | vs. Rockets | 8 p.m. | — |
| March 26 | at Hawks | 6 p.m. | NBA TV |
| March 28 | vs. Magic | 8 p.m. | — |
| March 29 | vs. Clippers | 8 p.m. | — |
