Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suffered a left ankle sprain and will be listed as “week-to- week,” a team spokesperson said Oct. 6.
Morant was injured during a practice Oct. 5.
The injury timeline will keep Morant sidelined for the preseason opener on Oct. 6 against the Detroit Pistons and put his availability for the season opener on Oct. 22 against the New Orleans Pelicans in question.
Staying healthy is at the top of Morant’s goals list this season. He has spoken often about wanting to be available and play as many games as he can after battling injuries in recent seasons.
Morant missed 32 regular season games last season and the Grizzlies’ Game 4 playoff loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also only played nine games in the 2023-24 season after suffering a shoulder injury.
Memphis is now without Morant, Zach Edey (ankle procedure), Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe surgery) and Brandon Clarke (knee procedure). Edey and Clarke will miss the beginning of the season, while Jackson’s status remains in the air.
Scotty Pippen Jr. and free agent signing Ty Jerome are likely to get most of the point guard minutes while Morant misses time in the preseason. Rookie point guard Javon Small will also get an opportunity.
The Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane and revamped their roster around Morant and Jackson specifically. With both players out, others on the roster will get bigger opportunities to fill the void.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
