No, not now.
It is what Memphis Grizzlies followers needed to assume when star level guard Ja Morant fell to the bottom after a crushing display from New Orleans Pelicans heart Daniel Theis on Friday evening.
The display resulted in an damage to the best shoulder within the third quarter of the Grizzlies’ 132-124 victory Friday evening in opposition to the Pelicans.
Morant left the sport after scoring 25 factors and including seven assists.
The timing is lower than supreme, not solely as a result of the Grizzlies (22-10) have moved as much as second within the Western Convention standings, however they’re getting into their hardest stretch of the season so far.
4 street video games in opposition to respectable Western Convention opponents observe subsequent, beginning Sunday in Oklahoma Metropolis (6 p.m., Fan Duel Sports activities Community). Morant’s damage standing will go a great distance in figuring out how Memphis prepares for this stretch.
What to learn about Ja Morant’s shoulder damage
This is not the primary time Morant has injured his proper shoulder. Morant needed to bear surgical procedure on that very same shoulder in January, inflicting him to overlook the rest of the 2024 season.
Morant was absolutely cleared to return this summer season and has proven no indicators of limitation for the reason that surgical procedure.
The Grizzlies didn’t have an replace on Morant instantly after the sport.
“Clearly he took a pleasant hit to the shoulder, however we’ll have an additional analysis within the subsequent few days,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins mentioned.
What if Ja Morant is unavailable?
If Morant cannot play on Sunday, the Grizzlies ought to proceed to depend on seventh-year ahead Jaren Jackson Jr. completed with 33 factors Friday and closed out the sport after Morant left. He additionally added 4 steals and three blocks, exhibiting why he gained Defensive Participant of the 12 months.
Jackson is already enjoying an even bigger function with Santi Aldama out with an ankle damage. With out Aldama, the Grizzlies play Jackson extra and depend on his versatility on the 4 and 5.
If Morant is out, these expertise shall be highlighted much more.
Desmond Bane can also be beginning to seem like the one the Grizzlies view as a significant member of the crew. He scores extra effectively and showcases his secondary playmaking expertise.
Bane completed Friday’s recreation with 18 factors and eight assists.
What’s subsequent
New Orleans was the primary cease on a five-game street journey. Memphis travels to the top-seeded Thunder on Sunday, then faces the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors earlier than returning house. The video games in opposition to Sacramento and Golden State shall be back-to-back.
Memphis has relied on its depth all season regardless of fixed accidents. With Marcus Good and Aldama out, the Grizzlies have already misplaced two affect gamers. Vince Williams Jr. hasn’t performed a lot and GG Jackson hasn’t performed in any respect this season, however these two must also be affect gamers when wholesome.
No Good is already decreasing the purpose guard depth, which is another excuse why the upcoming Morant damage information shall be vital.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat author for The Business Enchantment. Contact Damichaël at [email protected]. Comply with Damichael on X, previously referred to as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This text was initially revealed on Memphis Business Enchantment: Ja Morant damage information is of nice significance to the Memphis Grizzlies
