Morant (ankle) is available for Friday's Play-In Game against the Mavericks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Morant drew the questionable tag after not participating in Thursday's practice due to a right ankle sprain. He was able to go through pre-game warmups without any setbacks and has been cleared to play in Friday's elimination game. Over Morant's last eight outings (including Wednesday's Play-In Game loss to Golden State), he has averaged 27.6 points on 48.3 percent shooting (including 37.7 percent from three on 7.6 3PA/G), 5.9 assists, 43.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals over 32.8 minutes per contest.
Grizzlies' Ja Morant: Officially questionable for Friday
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Morant (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Play-In Game against the Mavericks.
Morant didn't practice Thursday and is expected to be a game-time decision Friday due to a sprained right ankle. The star point guard sustained the ankle injury in the third quarter of Tuesday's Play-In Game loss to the Warriors, though he finished the game and posted 22 points (9-18 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one steal in 35 minutes. The 25-year-old is still dealing with swelling in his ankle, but he's optimistic about suiting up, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com. If Morant is sidelined against Dallas, Luke Kennard will likely see an uptick in playing time.
Morant (ankle) will be a game-time decision for the Grizzlies' Play-In Game on Friday against the Mavericks, Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian reports.
Morant rolled his right ankle in Tuesday's loss to the Warriors. Although he was able to return to the game, the superstar is in danger of missing Friday's win-or-go-home Play-In Game in Memphis. If the Murray State product is ruled out, the Grizzlies will likely turn to Scotty Pippen to shoulder the load at the point guard position.
Aldama chipped in 14 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), eight rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes during Tuesday's 121-116 Play-In Game loss to the Warriors.
Aldama was a bright spot in the loss, and the Grizzlies may need even more from him Friday if Ja Morant is unable to play -- the guard tweaked his ankle in the loss, though he insists he's fine. Aldama had a terrific regular season, posting averages of 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 three-pointers.
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Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson: Struggles with shot
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Jackson totaled 18 points (6-15 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one steal across 39 minutes during Tuesday's 121-116 Play-In Game loss to the Warriors.
Jackson was underwhelming on both ends of the court Tuesday. Ja Morant tweaked his ankle in the loss, meaning more usage could be headed Jackson's way if the guard can't shake it. The Grizzlies will face the loser of the matchup between Dallas and Sacramento for the final spot in the playoffs on Friday.
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Grizzlies' Scotty Pippen: Scores nine points in loss
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Pippen supplied nine points (3-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, five assists and one steal in 34 minutes before fouling out of Tuesday's 121-116 Play-In Game loss to Golden State.
Ja Morant tweaked his ankle in the loss, though the star guard insists he won't miss any time. However, if Morant's ankle gets the best of him, Pippen could be forced into a much larger role for the Grizzlies. Pippen is coming off a strong regular season, posting averages of 9.9 points, 4.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 three-pointers across 79 appearances.
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Grizzlies' Zach Edey: Big double-double against Dubs
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Edey closed Tuesday's 121-116 Play-In Game loss to the Warriors with 14 points (4-11 FG, 6-8 FT), 17 rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes.
The rookie center once again dominated the glass. Edey has pulled down at least 16 boards in five of seven appearances since the beginning of April, but Tuesday's game was the first during that stretch in which he didn't record at least one block. Edey will likely need to continue coming up big in the paint Friday as the Grizzlies get one more chance to secure a playoff spot.
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Grizzlies' Desmond Bane: Hits for 30 in Play-In loss
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Bane ended Tuesday's 121-116 Play-In Game loss to the Warriors with 30 points (11-21 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal over 39 minutes.
Ja Morant picked up an ankle injury in the second half Tuesday, and while he was able to return in the fourth quarter, it left Bane to carry the scoring load for the Grizzlies. The fifth-year guard has averaged 21.5 points, 6.5 boards, 5.1 assists, 2.8 threes and 1.1 steals over his final 21 appearances in the regular season dating back to the beginning of March, and Bane could see elevated usage again Friday if Morant isn't 100 percent, as Memphis gets a second chance to secure a playoff spot.
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