UPDATE: Morant will start on Friday.
Ja Morant ($8,400) rolled his ankle late in the third quarter of Tuesday’s game. He was able to finish the game and ended playing 35 minutes. Morant did not practice on Thursday and the Grizzlies officially listed him as questionable for Friday’s contest against the Dallas Mavericks.
It’s unlikely that Morant misses a “win or go home” game and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that Morant is optimistic about playing.
If Morant is unable to go, then it will be interesting to see how the rotations play out. Desmond Bane ($8,000) assumed more offensive responsibilities and saw a 2.81% usage rate increase during the regular season with Morant off the court. In 25 games that Bane played with Morant out, Bane put up over 40 FPTS 13 times with six over 50 and two over 60 FPTS.
The question will be who replaces Morant in the starting lineup, especially with Jaylen Wells out due to injury. Scotty Pippen Jr. ($4,800) would likely start with either Vince Williams Jr. ($3,000) or Luke Kennard ($3,400) occupying the other starting slot. Williams would provide defense and athleticism, but he only converted 27% from downtown in 27 games and is still recovering from an injury. Kennard shoots over 40% from downtown and can function as a secondary playmaker, but he’s a defensive liability.
All that chit chat is likely for not, as Morant will likely suit up and play. Currently, DK Sportsbook as Memphis favored by 6.5 points.
