Ja Morant Injured Again, Leaves Game Against Cavaliers

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant left Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to right calf soreness, raising concerns about his availability for future contests.

Morant exited the game in the first quarter after playing just six minutes, during which he scored seven points and made two assists. His exit came after being taken off the injury report, having previously struggled with an ankle issue. The team announced he would not return to the game.

“The Grizzlies say Morant is dealing with right calf soreness and will not return to tonight’s game against Cleveland,” reported NBA insider Brett Siegel.

Prior to the game, Morant had just returned from an ankle injury that caused him to miss a previous match. His health has become a point of concern for the team, which has been navigating a difficult stretch of the season with multiple players sidelined.

Morant’s injury comes amid trade rumors and speculation around his future with the Grizzlies, especially following a recent admonition from head coach Tuomas Iisalo regarding his performance. ESPN‘s Shams Charania reported that Morant would serve a one-game suspension after a postgame exchange deemed inappropriate by the coaching staff.

Despite appearing in just a portion of the game, Morant’s overall statistics this season include an average of 18.9 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. His absence will further challenge a Grizzlies team already dealing with significant injuries to other key players.

As the game progressed, Cam Spencer and Cedric Coward became among those expected to fill in for Morant. The Grizzlies, who traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, need to rely on their younger players to step up in Morant’s absence.