Is Ja Morant playing tonight against New Orleans Pelicans? Latest on star guard's return for NBA Cup game (Nov. 29)

Ja Morant is available to play for Friday's NBA Cup clash against the New Orleans Pelicans after being listed as probabale earlier. The Memphis Grizzlies superstar is dealing with a left knee contusion. Morant returned to the lineup in Monday's 123-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers after missing eight games with a hip injury. However, he suffered another blow that ruled him out of Wednesday's clash against the Detroit Pistons.

However, the Grizzlies guard announced in his story on Thursday that he will be back 'tomorrow.' If he avoids any late setbacks, Morant could return after a one-game absence against the Zion Williamson-less Pelicans.

Memphis has four straight wins, improving to 12-7 on the season after a rocky start. Several players have returned from injury-related absences. The Grizzlies will be relieved Ja Morant's latest setback wasn't a long-term issue, as they can now focus on building strong momentum amid an impressive run.

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Ja Morant stats vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Ja Morant has appeared in 14 games against the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 23.0 points, 8.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds, shooting 48.4%. He has seven wins and as many losses against the team. It's the first meeting of the season between the Grizzlies and Pelicans.

They split their season series 2-2 in 2023-24. Morant was stellar in the two games he played, leading the Grizzlies to wins on both occasions. In the Dec. 19, 2023 game, Morant tallied 34 points, six rebounds and eight assists, shooting 50.0% in a 115-113 win.

On Dec. 26, he scored 31 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two blocks in a 116-115 overtime win, shooting 50.0% again. The Grizzlies lost the other two games in his absence.

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How to watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies NBA Cup game?

NBA TV will nationally televise the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies NBA Cup Game. GCSEN will provide local coverage in New Orleans and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast in Memphis. The game will begin at 5:00 p.m. ET at the FedEx Forum, the Grizzlies' homecourt.

It's expected to be a lopsided battle as New Orleans could be without several key rotation players, including star Zion Williamson.