Ja Morant Could Return with the Grizzlies in London
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has a “good chance” of returning to action against the Orlando Magic in London, according to coach Tuomas Iisalo. Morant missed the first game of the NBA’s two-game series in Europe, where the Magic defeated the Grizzlies 118-111 in the first regular season game of the NBA in Germany. The teams will face each other on Sunday at the O2 Arena in the English capital. Morant is listed as probable in the NBA injury report.The two-time All-Star has missed Memphis’ last six games. His most recent appearance was when he played 31 minutes in the 128-121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on December 2. Morant, who has been the subject of speculation about possible transfers, did not speak to the media after Saturday’s practice. Morant is earning around $39.4 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract. He is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists per game this season, and 22.4 points and 7.4 assists in his career. The coach Iisalo was also asked about his relationship with Morant: “We have a very good working relationship and we seek to improve every day.” Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells highlighted the positive energy that Morant brings to the locker room. “He’s a great leader. You can see him on the bench, cheering us on,” the second-year point guard commented when asked about Morant’s trade rumors. “It doesn’t really matter what happens on the outside, it’s always about what happens on the inside. As a team, we don’t really care. It comes with the job. It’s not a big deal.”“There’s a good chance he’ll play. He participated in the full practice today and now we just have to see how his body responds in the morning,” said Iisalo. “Obviously, there are no guarantees and he has to feel comfortable with how his calf feels.”
Tuomas Iisalo, Grizzlies Coach
