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The Memphis Grizzlies could miss Ja Morant's services tonight against the Orlando Magic due to a sore right thigh. “G12” has played in the Grizzlies’ last three games after missing the previous nine.
Morant was suspended by the NBA for eight games due to a controversial Instagram post showing himself brandishing a gun inside a Denver nightclub. He was eligible to play against the Dallas Mavericks on March 20 but sat out the game as he was still trying to ramp up his conditioning.
The NBA All-Star point guard has played an off-the-bench role in two games since his return versus the Houston Rockets on March 22. Head coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed to the media that they want to ease Morant back into action, hence the move to start him on the bench.
The Memphis Grizzlies will be playing the first night of a back-to-back schedule tonight. In line with their strategy to slowly but steadily get Morant’s conditioning and rhythm back, he may sit out tonight.
Memphis will play the LA Clippers tomorrow night, which might just be the best time to have Ja Morant available.
Morant is averaging 20.7 points, 6.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds in three games. He is hitting 54.8% from the field, but just a horrible 14.3% from behind the arc.
What is Ja Morant’s status tonight against the Orlando Magic?
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially ruled Ja Morant doubtful when they host the Orlando Magic. He is on the injured list due to a sore right thigh, although it was unclear when he started feeling the discomfort.
Morant played 29 games on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks and looked great. He had a team-high 27 points, three rebounds, six assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies may just be extra cautious with him and could prefer to give him the night off against the Orlando Magic.
Morant may be back on Wednesday, the second night of a back-to-back slate to lead the Grizzlies against the LA Clippers.
What is Ja Morant’s impact on the Memphis Grizzlies?
The Memphis Grizzlies promptly lost two straight games when Ja Morant was suspended by the team. They were beaten in back-to-back games by the LA Clippers and the LA Lakers.
The Grizzlies have to be credited for quickly regrouping by going 6-1 without Morant. Tyus Jones, in particular, proved yet again that he can quarterback the team if “G12” is unavailable.
Memphis hasn’t lost in Morant’s return and is looking like a legit title contender yet again. The presence of the All-Star guard changes the trajectory of the Grizzlies like no one else can.
Morant’s value, however, has been proven to be irreplaceable come playoff time. The Memphis Grizzlies had no shot at beating the Golden State Warriors after their franchise player went down with an injury.
The Grizzlies are headed to the playoffs again but will be without Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams. Without those two, Morant will have to do more on both ends of the floor.
You may also like to read: Why does Ja Morant wear a faceguard?
Guess the Lakers players!
