Grizzlies face crucial Friday showdown with Mavericks as Morant’s status remains uncertain
The Grizzlies will battle the Mavericks at home Friday night with everything on the line – win and they’re in the playoffs as the West’s #8 seed, lose and they’re heading home for the summer.
Memphis is coming off a disappointing loss to the Warriors in Tuesday’s #7 vs. #8 play-in game, while Dallas earned their spot in this winner-take-all matchup by defeating the Kings on Wednesday.
But the big question hanging over this elimination game? Whether Ja Morant will be able to play.
The dynamic point guard is a “legitimate game-time decision” after injuring his ankle Tuesday against Golden State. Memphis’ interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo says Morant has been doing everything possible to get ready for Friday’s must-win contest.
Morant hurt himself when Buddy Hield accidentally stepped on his foot during Tuesday’s game. Though he managed to complete a three-point play on the sequence, he immediately hobbled off the court.
He did return in the fourth quarter and finished with 22 points, but the damage was done.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Morant has experienced significant swelling in the ankle and has been undergoing “around-the-clock treatment” since the injury occurred.
Staying healthy has been a recurring challenge for the 25-year-old star. Morant appeared in just 50 of Memphis’ 82 regular season games this year. He hasn’t played more than 60 games in a season since 2021-22.
When he’s on the court, though, Morant is electric. The two-time All-Star turns routine plays into viral highlights with his explosive athleticism and creativity.
Memphis hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2022-23 season and is hungry to return to postseason action.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their best player, oddsmakers at BetOnline have installed the Grizzlies as 6-point favorites for Friday’s elimination game.
Can Memphis take care of business at home? Or will the Mavs steal one on the road and claim that final playoff berth?
We’ll find out Friday night.
