Memphis Grizzlies` key player, Ja Morant, missed Thursday`s practice because of an ankle injury. Coach Tomas Iisalo informed reporters that Morant`s participation in Friday`s crucial Play-In Tournament game against the Dallas Mavericks will be decided just before the game.
Iisalo stated that he believes Morant will do everything possible to play. He added that if Morant feels physically capable, he will play, emphasizing it`s a true game-time decision.
`We trust his judgment if he says he`s ready,` Iisalo continued, highlighting Morant`s ability to assess his own readiness. He also mentioned relying on medical experts for the final call, indicating his non-medical role.
Morant twisted his ankle during Tuesday`s Play-In Tournament loss to the Golden State Warriors. He landed awkwardly on Buddy Hield`s foot in the third quarter, causing his right ankle to turn.
Despite returning to the game in the fourth quarter, Morant was visibly affected. The Grizzlies suffered a tough loss due to a five-second violation in the final moments of the game. However, Morant confidently declared after the game that he would play on Friday.
`I`m playing. That`s my answer,` Morant asserted, downplaying any concerns about his injury.
After missing the opportunity to secure the No. 7 seed in the playoffs on Tuesday, the Grizzlies now face a must-win situation against the Mavericks to extend their season. The winner of Friday`s game will claim the No. 8 seed and face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, while the loser`s season ends.
This season has been challenging for Morant and the Grizzlies, who had hoped for a strong Western Conference showing after an injury-plagued previous season.
They finished eighth in the West with a 48-34 record. Morant played only 50 games due to injuries and was recently fined for an on-court celebration. Additionally, the team surprisingly dismissed long-time coach Taylor Jenkins in March, just before the regular season concluded.
The Grizzlies still have a chance to avoid the lottery for the second straight year. However, even if they reach the playoffs, their chances of making a deep run appear slim.
Jasper Hawthorne