The Grizzlies just took another hit to their backcourt depth.
Memphis star Ja Morant suffered an ankle injury in the Grizzlies' 121-100 win over the Thunder on Nov. 18. The team was already missing Desmond Bane, who is still recovering from a toe injury.
Now, the Grizzlies will be forced to rely on backup guards like Tyus Jones and John Konchar with their dynamic duo stuck on the sideline.
Here's everything we know about Morant's injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
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What is Ja Morant's injury?
On Nov. 19, the Grizzlies announced that Morant had suffered a Grade 1 sprain of his left ankle late in the fourth quarter against the Thunder.
After shooting a floater and landing in the lane, Morant took a step to his left and turned his ankle. He had to be helped off the court and back to the locker room.
Ja Morant heads back to the locker room with the Grizzlies training staff with an apparent ankle injury.
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) November 19, 2022
Stay tuned for updates. pic.twitter.com/LMNt6FacMs
How long will Ja Morant be out?
The Grizzlies initially said that Morant's return to play timeline would be considered "week-to-week."
However, on Nov. 22, Memphis upgraded Morant to questionable ahead of its matchup with Sacramento, opening the door for him to rejoin the starting lineup sooner than anticipated.
.@memgrizz status update: Ja Morant (LT Ankle Sprain) has been upgraded to QUESTIONABLE for tonight's game against the @SacramentoKings. https://t.co/SfPKoEw0ME
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) November 22, 2022
Through 14 games, Morant is averaging 28.6 points, 7.1 assists and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range.
Grizzlies schedule 2022-23
Here are Memphis' next 10 games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 22 | vs. Kings | 8 p.m. |
| Nov. 25 | vs. Pelicans | 8 p.m. |
| Nov. 27 | at Knicks | 6 p.m. |
| Nov. 30 | at Timberwolves | 8 p.m. |
| Dec. 2 | vs. 76ers | 8 p.m. |
| Dec. 4 | at Pistons | 6 p.m. |
| Dec. 5 | vs. Heat | 8 p.m. |
| Dec. 7 | vs. Thunder | 8 p.m. |
| Dec. 9 | vs. Pistons | 8 p.m. |
| Dec. 12 | vs. Hawks | 8 p.m. |
Ja Morant career stats, highlights
- 21.7 points per game
- 7.1 assists per game
- 4.6 rebounds per game
- 1.0 steals per game
- 0.3 blocks per game
- 3.3 turnovers per game
- 32.2 minutes per game
- 47.4 percent shooting
- 33.3 percent 3-point shooting
- 75.8 percent free throw shooting
