The Memphis Grizzlies will be without owner Ja Morant’s for at least three to five weeks after an MRI determined that the reigning Rookie of the Year suffered a Grade 2 left ankle sprain during Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Morant’s aggressive playing style is part of what makes him a special talent, but also makes him susceptible to injuries.
The ankle sprain came with 2:43 remaining in the second half in Monday’s game, with the Grizzlies leading the Nets 51-45. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot jumped up and Morant, flying behind him, made a savage attempt to block his shot. Instead, it landed on Luwawu-Cabarrot’s foot, apparently twisting his ankle. He immediately jumped off the court in great pain and had to be taken back to the locker room in a wheelchair.
Morant started this season with an absolute tear, averaging 36 points and eight assists in the first two Grizzlies games of the season. Losing him is another considerable blow for Memphis as he is already dealing with Jaren Jackson Jr. not yet played this season due to a knee injury, and Justise Winslow is still recovering from a hip injury sustained in training before the Orlando bubble restart.