Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is doubtful to return during the 2022 NBA Playoffs after being diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right knee, the team announced on Tuesday.
He is expected to make a full recovery.
Today the @memgrizz announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/szmKeTFdHa
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) May 10, 2022
The Grizzlies believe the injury occurred in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the Golden State Warriors when Jordan Poole grabbed Morant’s knee in a scrum for the basketball. Morant exited shortly after and did not play in Game 4, which the Grizzlies lost.
The 22-year-old phenom has averaged 38.3 points, 8.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds in three games against the Warriors. His breakout regular season led to the Kia Most Improved Player award and helped the Grizzlies secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
Golden State leads the series 3-1, making Wednesday’s Game 5 (9:30 ET, TNT) a win-or-go-home contest for Memphis.