Is Ja Morant playing today against the OKC Thunder? Latest on Grizzlies star's status for Game 1 of NBA Playoffs (April 20)

By Rajdeep Barman

Modified Apr 20, 2025 15:10 GMT

NBA: Play-In-Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies - Source: Imagn — Is Ja Morant playing today against the OKC Thunder? Latest on Grizzlies star's status for Game 1 of NBA Playoffs (April 20) (Image Source: Imagn)

Ja Morant is not listed on the Memphis Grizzlies' injury report for Game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the OKC Thunder. Thus, barring any unfortunate injuries in the buildup to the game, the star guard should suit up for Memphis.

Morant injured his right ankle after a fall during the third quarter of a play-in game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. He looked in visible pain as he exited the floor and got treatment on the sidelines. While he did return to finish the game, his performance dropped.

The two-time All-Star had 18 points before the injury and added just four points after his return. Ahead of the Grizzlies’ elimination game against the Dallas Mavericks, Ja Morant was listed as questionable. He didn’t practice on Thursday and received an injection in the ankle to help with the pain and swelling.

Even though he was cleared before Friday’s game, there were doubts if he was 100% fit. Those doubts were dispersed early in the first quarter when Morant jumped over his teammate Santi Aldama to score a putback basket that Aldama missed.

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Morant ended the game with 22 points, nine assists and seven rebounds as Memphis won 120-106 to secure the eighth seed and set up its first-round series against the Western Conference table toppers, the Thunder.

How has Ja Morant fared against the OKC Thunder?

Ja Morant has played the Oklahoma City Thunder in 13 regular-season games so far. He has a 7-6 record in those games and averaged 17.2 points, 7.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds. The guard has never faced OKC in the playoffs before.

Morant played the Thunder in two games this season, as the Memphis Grizzlies lost both games. In a game on Feb. 8, Morant had 16 points and seven assists as OKC won 125-112. They faced off again on March 5 as Memphis lost 120-103. Morant had a slightly better game with 24 points.

How and where to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder Game 1 of NBA Playoffs?

The Memphis Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs will tip off at 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday at Paycom Center. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC. Fans can also stream it live on NBA League Pass and fuboTV.

About the author

Rajdeep Barman is a U.S. Sports Editor at Sportskeeda and occasionally writes about basketball. He studied journalism at Mizzou, and prior to working at Sportskeeda, he spent 2.5 years at the Columbia Missourian in the U.S.

He worked as an Assistant Sports Editor and helped cover Mizzou Athletics and local high school sports. There, he formed close professional and personal bonds with The Denver Post's Bennett Durando, OKC Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and Alabama beat writer Nick Kelly.

Rajdeep's interest in the NBA stems from his love for the Golden State Warriors and his appreciation of the team's distinctive playing style, heavily influenced by coach Steve Kerr's inspiration from Barcelona's Tiki-Taka. For Rajdeep, basketball is a platform that fosters community and brings people together.

Rajdeep stays in constant touch with some of the best beat writers in the NBA, which helps him learn and stay closer to the news. Being trained in the AP Handbook, he ensures highest levels of relevance, accuracy and ethics in his content.

When not working for Sportskeeda, he likes to travel, take quizzes and spend time with his partner.

Know More

Grizzlies Nation! You can check out the latest Memphis Grizzlies Schedule and dive into the Grizzlies Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

Edited by Rajdeep Barman