Ja Morant, “weekly” absence from Grizzlies due to ankle sprain

The star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant, will be out of the courts due to a sprained left ankle. The injury, suffered during Sunday’s practice, will keep him under weekly observation, according to a team spokesperson.Coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters before Monday night’s game against the Pistons: “Fortunately, it’s preseason and we hope to have him back soon.”This situation presents a challenge for the Grizzlies, as they now have three starters recovering from injuries that could affect their participation at the start of the regular season.Zach Edey, the team’s center, underwent surgery in June to address a left ankle injury. His return to the court is expected between mid-to-late November.Jaren Jackson Jr., power forward, underwent surgery in July to repair a toe injury. The team estimated a recovery time of four to six weeks before the start of training camp, which puts his participation in the Grizzlies’ opening game on October 22 against the New Orleans Pelicans in doubt.Morant, a two-time All-Star, has participated in a total of only 59 games in the last two seasons. He suffered a labrum injury that ended his season in January 2024, after playing only nine games following a 25-game suspension at the start of the season. Last season, Morant dealt with various injuries, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game.