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The Memphis Grizzlies will host the Los Angeles Lakers tonight in what appears to be a must-win game for them. The Grizzlies lost the series opener 128-112 at home, and an eventual loss tonight will put them in a deep hole before the series moves to Los Angeles.
The main question about tonight’s game is Ja Morant playing tonight for the Grizzlies. The point guard exited Game 1 in the middle of the final quarter after suffering a hand injury. Morant landed awkwardly on his right hand after attempting a dunk and colliding midair with the Lakers’ power forward Anthony Davis. He was in obvious pain and left the court immediately. He came back to the Grizzlies’ bench with his hand wrapped up and did not return to action.
What’s Morrant’s Injury Status Ahead of Game 2 of the Series?
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said that Morant has a soft tissue bruise and is a game-time decision for Wednesday’s Game 2. Just hours before the game, his status is still unclear as he is listed as day-to-day and we will know if Ja Morant is still injured right before tip-off.
Morant scored 18 points in the series opener against the Lakers, who won the second half by 22 points to take the lead in the series. Morant averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, leading the Grizzlies to the second seed in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies are already without their starting center Steven Adams who was Morant’s protector on the court. When Adams went down with an injury during the season, the Grizzlies needed some time to regroup and find a way to win without their big man.
Can the Grizzlies Manage Without Morant?
Morant also missed 20 games in the regular season with injuries and a suspension. The Grizzlies were solid even without him, but his potential absence tonight will hurt their chances against the Lakers. If Morant is not able to play, Tyus Jones will step in his place in the starting lineup. Jones played in 80 games this season averaging 24 minutes per game with 10.3 points and 5.2 assist per game. He will be able to cover up the point guard part of the work but is not even close to Morant’s level when it comes to scoring and attacking the rim.
The Grizzlies were 35-6 at home in the regular season which is pretty unbelievable and the arena will be hyped up which definitely give them a shot against the Lakers. The team from LA has their own issues as Anthony Davis also had a minor injury in Game 1.
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