The Memphis Grizzlies will likely be without Ja Morant when they host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the first-round series on Wednesday.
Morant was in clear pain when he ran off the court holding his right hand after a big fall while attempting a dunk over Anthony Davis.
And even though X-rays were negative, the former second-overall pick acknowledged that he was in pain and his status for Game 2 was in jeopardy.
Notably, Morant was already playing with a wrap on his hand after suffering an injury on April 7.
He wasn’t limited or sore but had to be cautious with it, so it was such a tough break when he slammed it onto the court after the failed dunk on AD.
Morant then opened up to the media about how frustrated he was because of this situation, especially after his gun-related incident and suspension earlier in the season.
Ja Morant: “[It is] tough, man, especially with everything I’ve been through pretty much this season. My main focus was to be out there for my guys. It’s another incident where that’s pretty much in jeopardy.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 16, 2023
Coach Taylor Jenkins claimed that the medical staff cleared Morant to return to the game in an emergency situation, but they decided to take the cautious approach and rule him out for the remainder of the game.
This is the second time in as many years that Morant has suffered an injury in the playoffs, as he missed the final three games of their series vs. the Golden State Warriors after hurting his knee.
The Grizzlies have gone 32-13 with Tyus Jones starting over the past couple of seasons, so they do know how to win without their best player.
However, the margin for error is now pretty close to zero.
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Grizzlies Coach Provides Major Ja Morant Injury Update
