Ja Morant’s status remains up in the air heading into Friday night’s do-or-die play-in matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks.
The star point guard did not participate in Thursday’s practice after injuring his right ankle during Tuesday’s 121-116 play-in loss to the Golden State Warriors. Interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Morant is officially questionable and will be a “legitimate game-time decision” for Friday’s game, which will determine the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed.
“My feel with him is he’ll do absolutely everything in order to play,” Iisalo told reporters. “If he’s physically able to do it, he will do it.”
Ja Morant Injured Ankle in Memphis Grizzlies’ Loss vs. Golden State Warriors
Morant rolled his ankle late in the third quarter on Tuesday after landing on Buddy Hield’s foot. Despite limping to the sideline in visible pain, he returned early in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 22 points. Still, the injury required immediate and ongoing treatment.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Morant has dealt with “significant swelling” and has undergone “around-the-clock treatment” in hopes of suiting up against Dallas. Charania added Thursday that “the intention for Ja Morant is to go out there and play.”
While Morant declared postgame Tuesday that he would play, Thursday’s absence from practice raises questions about his mobility and ability to manage pain.
“If he feels he’s good to go, we have full trust in him,” Iisalo said. “He’s also a very good judge of how and if he’s ready to go or not.”
Friday’s stakes couldn’t be higher. A win sends the Grizzlies into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, while a loss ends their season.
Morant’s presence could be the difference. He appeared in just 50 games during the 2024–25 season due to injuries but was highly productive when on the court, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 45.4 percent. Memphis went 30-20 in games he played compared to 18-14 without him.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET, with Morant’s final status expected closer to game time.
