Is Ja Morant Playing Today? After dropping Game 1 at home to the Lakers, Grizzlies fans have a lot to worry about heading into Game 2.
All-Star guard Ja Morant did not return to the game after re-injuring his right hand on a drive to the rim late in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles went on to win 128-112.
Ja Morant exits the game with a hand injury. Looks pretty severe pic.twitter.com/zov2gOLcqs
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 16, 2023
After the game, Morant said his status for Game 2 was “in jeopardy.” He apparently wasn’t even able to use his right hand to undo a balled-up pair of socks. “Feels like it’s one thing after another.”
“He’s in some pain,” Jenkins said of Morant, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
The 23-year-old told reporters that the concern is only his hand, not his wrist but was certainly concerned about his ability to participate in Wednesday’s night Game 2.
IS JA MORANT PLAYING TONIGHT?
The Grizzlies will be without Morant for Game 2 against the Lakers. Morant was ruled out after suffering an injury to his right hand in Game 1.
Grizzlies say Ja Morant is out for Game 2 vs. Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2023
HOW LONG WILL JA MORANT BE OUT?
In some good news for Memphis fans, their coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed to the media that the x-rays on Morant’s hand came back negative and he’s expected to undergo further testing.
They’re hopeful that Morant will rejoin the Grizzlies line-up for Game 3 on the road in Los Angeles.
GRIZZLIES VS LAKERS PLAYOFF SERIES SCHEDULE
After playing Game 1 in Memphis on Sunday, and Game 2 in Memphis again two days later.
The teams will have another two days rest before the series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 and Game 4.
Memphis Grizzlies (2) vs. L.A. Lakers (7)
Game 1: Lakers lead series 1-0 (128-112)
Game 2: Lakers vs. Grizzlies | Wed., April 19 | 7:30 ET (TNT)
Game 3: Grizzlies vs. Lakers | Sat., April 22 | 10 ET (ESPN)
Game 4: Grizzlies vs. Lakers | Mon. April 24 | TBD
*Game 5: Lakers vs. Grizzlies | Wed., April 26 | TBD
*Game 6: Grizzlies vs. Lakers | Fri., April 28 | TBD
*Game 7: Lakers vs. Grizzlies | Sun., April 30 | TBD
