Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said Friday that Morant's knee injury won't require surgery, and the All-Star point guard is expected to be 100 percent before the start of training camp, Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian reports.
Morant was diagnosed with a bone bruise on his left knee after leaving in the second half of Game 3 against the Warriors. He was sidelined for the remainder of the series due to the issue, but the positive news is that it won't impact his status for the 2022-23 campaign. Morant was named the Most Improved Player during the 2021-22 season after posting 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 33.1 minutes.
Grizzlies' Ja Morant: Likely out for rest of postseason
Rotowire
Morant (knee) has been diagnosed with a bone bruise on his right knee and is considered doubtful to return for the remainder of the playoffs, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
After a few days of uncertainty, the Grizzlies have finally revealed that Morant is dealing with a bone bruise on his knee, which the team claims stemmed from Jordan Poole's swipe during the second half of Game 3. Memphis hasn't offered much in the way of a timetable, but based on Charania's report, it appears as though Morant is looking at a multi-week recovery process. Memphis' season could end as soon as Wednesday night if Golden State can win Game 5. Expect Tyus Jones to be the top candidate to make another start at point guard in Morant's place.
Grizzlies' Ja Morant: Doesn't participate in shootaround
Rotowire
Morant (knee) didn't participate in the Grizzlies' shootaround ahead of Monday's Game 4 against the Warriors, Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian reports.
Morant was spotted in slippers and sweats as his teammates went through shootaround, suggesting the All-Star point guard won't be available. This isn't surprising given he's listed as doubtful, but there was optimism that he'd at least try to give it a go pregame. Regardless, in his likely absence, Tyus Jones would likely draw the start while De'Anthony Melton and John Konchar could see additional run off the bench.
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Grizzlies' Ja Morant: Officially out
Rotowire
Morant (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's Game 4 against Golden State, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.
Morant was trending in this direction all day after failing to take part in shootaround, and the team has made it official that he won't go Monday evening. Look for Tyus Jones to draw the start in Morant's absence.
Grizzlies' Ja Morant: Officially doubtful for Game 4
Rotowire
Morant (knee) is doubtful for Monday's Game 4 against the Warriors.
Coach Taylor Jenkins indicated Sunday that Morant is unlikely to play in Game 4 after sustaining a knee injury during Saturday's Game 3 matchup, so his doubtful designation isn't surprising. If Morant is ultimately held out, Tyus Jones would likely draw the start with De'Anthony Melton and John Konchar also seeing additional run.
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Grizzlies' Ja Morant: Unlikely to play in Game 4
Rotowire
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said Sunday that Morant (knee) is unlikely to play in Monday's Game 4 against the Warriors, Kendra Andrews of ESPN.com reports.
Morant suffered the injury after being trapped at half court by Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 3. The All-Star point guard averaged 38.3 points, 8.3 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 steals through the first three games of the series, so his likely absence would be a massive loss for Memphis. If he's unable to suit up Monday, Tyus Jones figures to draw the start while De'Anthony Melton and John Konchar could both see increased opportunities off the bench.
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Grizzlies' Ja Morant: Injures knee during Saturday's loss
Rotowire
Morant left Saturday's 142-112 Game 3 loss to the Warriors due to a right knee injury, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.
Morant was trapped at half court by Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. A foul was called on Wiggins during the play, so Morant ventured to the free-throw line, but after his first attempt, the dynamic point guard was visibly in pain and trying to stretch out his right leg. He was taken out of the game and displayed vehement displeasure before limping to the locker room. Per Youngmisuk, the team has not specified Morant's injury, saying only that he was being further evaluated. He's averaging 38.3 points, 8.3 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 steals through the first three games of the series, so if he's sidelined it would be a massive blow to Memphis' chances of advancing, though the Grizzlies will get Dillon Brooks back for Game 4 after he served his one-game suspension for his Flagrant 2 foul on Gary Payton in Game 2.
Morant closed with 34 points (13-21 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-5 FT), three rebounds, seven assists and three steals across 36 minutes during Saturday's 142-112 loss to Golden State.
Morant did all that he could to keep the Grizzlies in the game, but the loss of Dillon Brooks (suspension) seemed to have a negative effect on both sides of the ball, and Memphis was unable to contain Golden State's explosive offense down the stretch. Morant will continue to be crucial as the Grizzlies try to take a win in San Francisco before heading home. The 2021 All-Star stands out as one of the most prolific players during the playoffs this season.
