Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are officially back in the postseason, securing the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot after defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 in Friday’s play-in elimination game. The win sets up a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
Memphis’ path to the playoffs wasn’t an easy one. After a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors in their first play-in game, the Grizzlies responded in dominant fashion at home against Dallas to punch their ticket to the postseason.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant delivered a raw and emotional message ahead of the team’s critical matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder: “Pray for me.” The message, posted across his social media accounts late Friday night, has sparked concern and curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
With the Grizzlies clinging to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, every game counts — and tonight’s showdown with the surging Thunder could define their season. Morant’s words came just hours after he expressed “shock and disbelief” over the tight playoff race, saying in a press conference, “I never thought we’d be here fighting like this just to make it in. It’s wild.”
The 25-year-old guard has faced a rollercoaster season, dealing with both injuries and off-court scrutiny. Despite this, he’s posted impressive numbers, averaging 25.7 points and 7.9 assists per game.
Fans have rallied behind the message, flooding social media with support and encouragement. Meanwhile, head coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized the importance of unity: “Ja is our leader. We’re locked in, and we’re going to battle together.”
As tipoff approaches, all eyes are on Morant — not just for his performance, but for what his emotional plea might truly reveal.
Awaiting them are the Thunder, who claimed the No. 1 seed for the second consecutive year. Led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City swept the season series against Memphis 4-0 and will enter the matchup as clear favorites.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, return to playoff basketball for the first time since 2023, after missing out last season. Despite a turbulent year—including the dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins on March 28—Memphis has battled through adversity and now finds itself with an opportunity to make noise in the postseason.
Morant, who helped lead the charge against Dallas, spoke about the team’s mindset heading into the high-stakes series:
“We’re back where we want to be… back being the underdogs,” Morant said. “We have all the confidence in ourselves and we’re ready to go Sunday.”
Memphis entered the All-Star break as the West’s second seed but slipped down the standings in the final stretch of the season. Now, with a playoff berth secured, the Grizzlies will aim to pull off a major upset against a Thunder team with championship aspirations.