Ja Morant’s Injury Update Raises Concerns for Grizzlies Fans
The Memphis Grizzlies faced a notable twist in their injury report ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics. Although the team had until the afternoon to submit their updates after playing in New York, fans were met with surprising news regarding two key players.
Point guard Ja Morant, who posted 10 assists but also committed a season-high eight turnovers in the previous game, has been downgraded to questionable due to left ankle soreness. Meanwhile, center Zach Edey, who has yet to make his debut following offseason ankle surgery, has received an upgrade to doubtful.
Morant’s Struggles Continue
Morant’s performance this season has been a mixed bag. Over the first five games in November, he has averaged 5.8 turnovers, which significantly detracts from his impressive assist average of 9.8. Adding to concerns, Morant’s shooting from beyond the arc has been dismal; he is currently hitting just 17.9 percent of his three-point attempts, a slight improvement from his 15.6 percent in October.
The recent ankle soreness raises questions about Morant’s physical condition as the season progresses. Given that the Grizzlies have some breathing room in their schedule—facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday and finishing their four-game road trip in San Antonio next Tuesday—this might be an opportune moment for Morant to take a step back and recuperate.
Despite a suspension earlier in the season for “conduct detrimental to the team,” Morant has participated in all but one game, logging at least 32 minutes in each since his return. However, his shooting percentage has plummeted to 28.7 percent from the field, leading to speculation about his fit within the team’s current dynamics. Although there have been no trade demands from his camp, the Grizzlies’ struggle, with a 1-6 record leading into this contest, has sparked discussions about whether a change could benefit all involved.
Edey’s Long-Awaited Debut Approaches
On a more hopeful note, the Grizzlies have been eagerly anticipating the return of Zach Edey, alongside offseason acquisition Ty Jerome, who had an impressive showing last season. While Jerome remains sidelined with a calf strain, Edey’s upgraded status to doubtful signifies that he may soon join the active roster.
Edey has been sharpening his skills with the G League’s Memphis Hustle, and his potential return could provide a much-needed boost for a team searching for answers. Being labeled as doubtful suggests he could either suit up for the game or be a last-minute addition to the lineup.
As the Grizzlies look to navigate their current challenges, the health and performance of both Morant and Edey will be pivotal in shaping their immediate future. Fans will be watching closely as the team approaches this critical juncture in the season.
