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Ja Morant’s season took a hugely shocking turn when he posted on Instagram a video of himself partying in a nightclub while holding a gun. After a loss to the Denver Nuggets two nights ago, the Memphis Grizzlies erased their disappointing loss by hanging out with friends.
After the video went viral, the Grizzlies promptly suspended their point guard for two games. The NBA is currently conducting an investigation into the said incident. Morant, upon receiving the official punishment, posted a statement:
“I take full responsibility for my actions last night. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing stress and my overall well-being.”
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The All-Star guard will be out for tonight’s matchup versus the LA Clippers and on Tuesday against the LA Lakers.
Morant’s odd behavior received a ton of backlash from fans who thought he was “ruining his career” by being a “tremendous idiot.” Hopefully, there will be no repeat of such an incident following his vow to get some “help.”
What is Ja Morant’s status tonight against the LA Clippers?
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially listed Ja Morant on the injury report as out. His two-game suspension will start to take effect tonight versus the LA Clippers.
Tyus Jones is expected to take Morant’s place in the Grizzlies’ starting lineup.
When will Ja Morant return?
If Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are strictly following the two-game suspension, the explosive point guard should be back on Mar. 9. The Grizzlies will be hosting their rivals, the Golden State Warriors, during the said date.
“G12” has missed just nine of the Grizzlies’ 62 games this season. Memphis was 4-5 during that stretch. Tyus Jones has provided good, if not great, performances when Morant wasn’t available.
Morant’s two-game absence, though, could hurt more than the Grizzlies were anticipating. Steven Adams is still out due to a right knee PCL sprain. Dillon Brooks, who received his 16th technical foul against the Denver Nuggets two nights ago, has been suspended for one game. Brooks will not be available versus the Clippers.
The Grizzlies also lost athletic forward Brandon Clarke for the season following an ACL tear in their loss to the Nuggets. Clarke has been an underrated part of Memphis’ success and will be greatly missed.
If the Memphis Grizzlies (38-24) lose their next two games sans Morant, the Sacramento Kings (37-26) could pass them in the Western Conference standings.
Unless he needs more days to get the kind of “help” he is looking for, he should be back in action versus the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Hopefully, no legal action will be taken against him as well, which is what NBA insider Bobby Marks alluded to.
You might also like to read: "Dying to ruin his career" - Ja Morant allegedly flashing gun on IG live sparks strong reactions from fans, labeling him as a "tremendous idiot"
