When Will Ja Morant Return?
Following the Memphis Grizzlies’ blowout win against the Utah Jazz Tuesday night in what some deemed a pivotal game for their rest-of-season outlook, the Memphis Grizzlies now head out to Oklahoma City, where they face the league-leading Thunder and their star player Shai Gilgeous Alexander. However, for the big Western Conference clash, Ja Morant has once again been ruled out for the matchup in what will be his sixth straight missed game. While the star has been labelled day-to-day as he recovers from a left-hamstring strain, concerns seem to be growing as every day Ja doesn’t play is less time the Grizzlies have to get in sync before the playoffs start. With all of this information, then, when is the most likely time frame for Ja Morant’s return?
As mentioned, Ja Morant has been listed as day-to-day by the Memphis Grizzlies. This means that the star could theoretically come back any day now as the team will evaluate his strain daily to determine if the star is eligible to suit up for each night’s game. As for the Grizzlies’ matchup against the Thunder, it makes sense for Ja to sit out this game as it will be the final road game in the Grizzlies’ five-game West Coast swing before they head back home for the next three games. With Ja rehabbing in Memphis, waiting until the team returns home for several games gives him more time to rest and allows him to make his return in front of his home crowd.
As for which particular game the star will return for, I think that the Monday night game against the Boston Celtics makes the most sense. With the Memphis Grizzlies having only 10 games until the end of the regular season, the team will likely not want to rush back their star player too soon, so Ja returning for the Saturday night game against the Lakers is unlikely. As for their Tuesday night game against the Golden State Warriors, this will be the final game in their home stand before the Grizzlies once again head out on another road trip. If Ja is to sustain any type of setback, it would be increasingly difficult for him to join the team on their road trip, as it would be much easier to recover in the Memphis Grizzlies’ facilities as opposed to on the road. Thus, the Monday night game against the Celtics seems to be the most plausible return date as it gives Ja a little more time to recover, whilst also allowing him time to rehab in Memphis if he were to sustain a setback injury before the team embarks on their next road trip.
While it isn’t certain when Ja will make his return, his presence is very much needed as he remains the focal point of their offense, contributing 22.3 points and seven assists on a nightly basis. This production coincides with the Memphis Grizzlies’ record being much better when Ja plays, 28-15, as opposed to being 16-13 when he doesn’t play. If this team is to make a run in this year's playoffs, they will need a fully healthy Ja Morant playing at the height of his powers. This makes his return, and his return date, all the more important.
