Ja Morant’s Status Uncertain for Critical Play-In Game

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant is a game-time decision for Friday night’s play-in game against the Dallas Mavericks due to an injured right ankle.

Morant sustained the injury during a 121-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. With 4:25 remaining in the third quarter, he stepped on the foot of Buddy Hield and fell awkwardly, forcing him to leave the game temporarily. Despite the injury, he returned in the fourth quarter and finished with 21 points.

According to sources, Morant has experienced significant swelling in his ankle and has been undergoing intensive treatment since the incident. Memphis interim coach Tuomas Iisalo conveyed optimism but emphasized the situation remains uncertain. “My feel with him is he’ll do absolutely everything in order to play,” Iisalo told reporters on Thursday. “If he’s physically able to do it, he will do it. It’s a legitimate game-time decision.”

Morant, a two-time All-Star, stated after the Tuesday game that he intended to be on the court for the pivotal matchup against the Mavericks. “I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving,” he said. His participation hinges on how well his ankle responds to treatment over the next several hours.

If Morant is able to play, the Grizzlies will look to secure the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The stakes are high; the winner of the game will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. The Grizzlies, who finished the regular season at 48-34 after dealing with multiple injuries, are determined to advance past the play-in round.

Morant’s season has been challenging, with injuries limiting him to just 50 games. Nonetheless, he averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game this season.

As the game approaches, the Grizzlies hope to avoid a disappointing end to a season filled with challenges. Iisalo concluded, “He’s also a very good judge of how and if he’s ready to go or not. I’m leaning on the experts in this situation, which clearly I’m not in the medical department.”