Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been listed on the injury report against the Dallas Mavericks
The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the most polarizing teams in the NBA this season, as they have lost nine of their last 13 games to fall to 47-34 on the season and sit in eighth place in the Western Conference.
The Grizzlies are heading into their regular-season finale on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, but seem to be throwing in the towel in favor of resting their players for the play-in tournament.
The Grizzlies have listed ten players on their injury report, but none more notable than star point guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies have listed Morant as doubtful for Sunday’s game due to right shoulder soreness.
Morant will likely finish his regular season after just 50 appearances, averaging 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game with 45.4/30.9/82.4 shooting splits. The two-time All-Star point guard has only played 59 total games over the past two seasons, as the Grizzlies desperately need more consistency out of their franchise player.
Many fans have taken to social media to react to Morant’s downgraded status for Sunday’s game.
“Conceding the 8th seed (which was almost certain anyway) to gain rest advantage for the game that matters most. The right call,” one fan commented.
“Smart decision. Get ready for Tuesday,” another fan said.
“Wait what are yall doin?” a fan questioned.
The Grizzlies are certainly just looking ahead to their play-in tournament matchup next week, and keeping their stars healthy is the priority. Morant has already dealt with enough injuries this season, so keeping him out of Sunday’s game is likely the best choice.
The Grizzlies and Mavericks are set to face off at 3:30 p.m. EST in Memphis on Sunday.
Ja Morant grenade celebration isn’t going away. Kenny Smith has some advice
Ja Morant seems committed to his new “grenade” celebration – for now – and Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley have some thoughts.
The NBA’s decision to fine Morant $75,000 after multiple gun gestures led to the Memphis Grizzlies guard changing his 3-point celebration to one in which he mimics throwing a grenade. According to Morant, that’s the celebration fans can get used to seeing for the time being.
“That’s my celebration now until somebody else got a problem with it, and I’ll find another one,” Morant said at Thursday’s shootaround, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Morant used the celebration, where he mimics pulling the pin on a grenade, throwing it into the stands and then covering his ears, in Thursday night’s 141-125 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Smith and Barkley reacted to Morant’s new celebration on the “NBA on TNT” show.
“He has a history that maybe he should leave the celebrations where people might die alone,” Smith said.
Said Barkley: “I know one person’s happy right now. Taylor Jenkins ain’t got to deal with this crap.”
The Grizzlies fired Jenkins as head coach with less than a month remaining in the regular season.
Asked Thursday about his reaction to the fines, Morant smiled, paused and then said: “You really want to know? I wasn’t surprised. Just was showing people what’s pretty much been evident for the last two years.”