Is Ja Morant playing tonight against the Magic? Latest injury update on Grizzlies star ahead of matchup (March 28, 2023)

Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant finally returned to the Grizzlies' starting lineup on Sunday during the team's 123-119 win over Atlanta.

Morant had been coming off the bench the previous two games following his eight-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league. Morant did so as part of his ramp-up process to ensure his conditioning was up to par.

However, it looks like the Grizzlies star will be heading back to the sidelines for Tuesday’s matchup against Orlando. This comes as Morant is currently listed as doubtful to play due to right thigh soreness, according to the Grizzlies’ PR team.

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On his return to the starting lineup on Sunday, Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, three rebounds, and six assists on 52.9% shooting.

In the three games since his return from his suspension, Morant is averaging 20.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 54.8% shooting. The Grizzlies have gone 3-0 during that stretch.

Overall, Memphis (47-27, second in the West) has won six straight games. The Grizzlies are two-and-a-half games ahead of the Sacramento Kings (45-30) for the two seed in the Western Conference with eight games remaining.

The Grizzlies will be taking on a surging Orlando Magic team on Tuesday that has won three straight games despite their poor record (32-43, 13th in the East).

Memphis is 1-0 versus Orlando this season.

How have the Grizzlies fared without Ja Morant this season?

Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant

As for the Grizzlies' production without Ja Morant this season, they have been able to tread water. Entering Tuesday night, the Grizzlies are 10-8 without Morant this season and 37-19 with him.

Considering that Memphis was recently without its star point guard for nine straight games, the team should be very comfortable playing without him. Morant’s absence will once again free up more minutes at the guard spot for players like Tyus Jones and Luke Kennard.

However, given the fact that Tuesday’s game marks the first night of a back-to-back for Memphis, Morant sitting out could be a precautionary measure. If so, Morant could be back in action on Wednesday night against a more formidable foe in the LA Clippers (40-36, fifth in the West).

Ja Morant is averaging 26.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 8.1 apg and 1.1 spg on 46.7% shooting through 56 games.