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Tuesday update: Morant isn’t exactly week-to-week, since he is going to start Tuesday’s game against the Kings.
Tuesday update: Morant has been upgraded to questionable, so there’s a chance he takes the floor Tuesday against the Kings. Clearly, this ankle injury is not as severe as previously thought or Morant is able to manage the pain enough to play through it.
Monday update: Morant is doubtful for Tuesday’s game against the Kings with a Grade 1 ankle sprain.
Saturday update: Morant is considered week-to-week with a Grade 1 ankle sprain. He suffered the injury late in Friday’s contest against the Thunder.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant has a Grade 1 left ankle sprain and will be week-to-week on return.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 19, 2022
The Memphis Grizzlies saw star point guard Ja Morant exit late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder after appearing to roll his ankle. Morant had to be helped off the floor.
Ja Morant has left tonight's game after rolling his ankle in the 4th quarter. pic.twitter.com/WUwq7Yi2jn
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) November 19, 2022
The Grizzlies did hold on in this matchup, so there won’t be any immediate negative consequences of Morant leaving the game. The point guard did register a double-double, putting up 19 points and 11 assists in the win. He also added seven rebounds.
The timing here is unfortunate, as the Grizzlies just got Jaren Jackson Jr. back from his foot injury. Desmond Bane is also out for at least another week with a toe injury. If Morant is out for an extended period of time, Jackson Jr. will have to be the focal point of this offense. Tyus Jones would likely take over as the lead point guard if Morant’s injury is serious.