Is Ja Morant playing tonight? Exploring Grizzlies guard's availability vs Hornets | 2024 NBA preseason

Ja Morant will not play on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets. The Memphis Grizzlies will play their second preseason game after losing 121-116 to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. The high-flying guard was earlier listed as day-to-day in Memphis’ injury report.

Morant started that game but rolled his right ankle while defending in transition. He did attempt to return to the court but was taken out quickly. The injury was later diagnosed as a mild sprain.

While the injury isn’t serious enough to keep him out of Memphis’ regular-season opener against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 23, it could, however, limit him for the remainder of the preseason.

Ja Morant played 18 minutes against Dallas, where he put up 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Apart from Morant, the Grizzlies will also be without Vince Williams Jr. (stress reaction in upper tibia), Cam Spencer (ankle sprain), Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring) and GG Jackson II (right foot) on Thursday.

Memphis Grizzlies will be "cautious" with Ja Morant

Ja Morant featured in just nine games last season. This was a major reason why Memphis finished 13th in the West with a 27-55 record. The Grizzlies are taking all the precautionary measures to ensure Morant is not sidelined for an extended period again. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said:

“We expect him to be ready for opening night against Utah, but we're going to be cautious over the next couple of weeks with that ankle sprain.”

Ja Morant missed the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season for allegedly brandishing a gun during an Instagram Live session. When he did return to the basketball court, he seemed his prolific self, averaging 25.1 points per game in nine games. However, a shoulder injury cut his season short and ended the Grizzlies’ hopes of making the playoffs.

Memphis dealt with a plethora of injuries last season. The team’s 2023 offseason acquisition, Marcus Smart, was limited to just 20 games as well. An ankle injury forced him out for 17 straight games at the start of the season. After he returned from that injury, a right ring finger injury on Jan. 9 ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Where and how to watch Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies?

The Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday at FedExForum in Memphis. The game will be broadcast locally on Bally Sports SE-MEM and Bally Sports SE-CHA. Fans can also stream the game live on NBA League Pass.