On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies gave an update on the Ja Morant injury situation, and it is very good news for fans of the franchise.
Memphis Grizzlies supporters likely felt their season was over when superstar Ja Morant groaned in pain after landing on his hand following a missed shot in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether they can get passed LA or not, the team will need Morant if they hope to get far in the 2023 postseason.
Despite losing with him for most of the game in the series opener, the Memphis Grizzlies roared back in Game 2 and earned a surprise win to even the series. With the best-of-seven now heading to Los Angeles for the next two games, the hope is that the players that can suit hopefully do enough to keep the series even for a return to Memphis for Game 5.
However, while the Memphis Grizzlies are likely to be without Ja Morant for Game 3, it seems the team may have their best player back for a pivotal matchup early next week.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers: Series tied at 1-1
Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
On Friday, ESPN NBA insider Ramona Shelburne reported that Morant was a “full participant” in practice today, and has been upgraded to questionable for their game on Saturday night. In a follow-up tweet, she gave further details on the situation with the two-time All-Star’s ailing right hand.
It is massive news for the Memphis Grizzlies. At worst, a return in Game 4 seems highly likely. At best, the team will get their most important player back after missing just a game. While the Grizzlies would have a shot to beat the Lakers without him, they would still be a major underdog to pull off such an upset.
Game 3 of the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers takes place Saturday night at 10 PM ET on ESPN.
