Ja Morant will not be available for tonight’s playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Both Shams Charania of The Athletic and Tim MacMahon of ESPN have reported that Morant will miss Game 2 with right-hand soreness.
Morant’s inability to play on Wednesday in Memphis stems from an injury he sustained during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. With just under six minutes left in regulation, the All-Star point guard drove to the basket and attacked the rim as Anthony Davis stood in his way. Ultimately, the two stars collided and Morant fell forward to the hardwood. In an attempt to break his fall, he stock both of his arms out. He was able to avoid suffering injuries to his torso or legs, but he reportedly suffered a soft tissue bruise on his right hand. Shortly thereafter, he left the game as the Lakers pulled away and won the game.
“I’m in a good bit of pain,” Morant said after Sunday’s outing.
“My main focus was to be out there for my guys. Another incident where, you know, that’s pretty much in jeopardy.”
In Morant’s absence, Tyus Jones will be asked to take over point guard duties. Jones and the Grizzlies will meet the Lakers at FedEx Forum at 7:30 p.m. EST at FedEx Forum on Wednesday, April 19 for Game 2.
