Ja Morant can potentially miss play-in game vs Mavericks after concerning ankle injury update

Ja Morant could miss the Memphis Grizzlies' do-or-die game this season in the play-in tournament against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Morant is on the injury report, citing a right ankle sprain he endured in the third quarter of Tuesday's play-in showdown against the Golden State Warriors.

Morant rolled his ankle after a gruesome landing on his right leg. Ahead of Friday's knockout game that decides Memphis' fate, Morant has hit the injury report with a questionable status, making him 50-50 to play the game.

While the Grizzlies' star returned to finish the contest against Golden State and said he would be ready for the eighth-seed game, the Memphis guard didn't practice Thursday and is a game-time decision for Friday.

It would be a tough blow for the Grizzlies if Morant isn't close to 100% or sits out the contest against Dallas. The Mavericks don't have enough firepower offensively, but with Anthony Davis leading their front line, they could pose significant issues defensively against a Morant-less Grizzlies.

Ja Morant, their best shot creator and scorer, can challenge Dallas' defensive juggernaut.

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Ja Morant stats vs. Dallas Mavericks

Ja Morant has played 10 games, averaging 23.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists on 49.7% shooting, including 28.2% from 3. Morant had one of his best games of the year in Dallas on March 7, tallying 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists and one steal in a 122-111 win.

The Mavericks were super-shorthanded in the contest, with only one of their starters available. Nevertheless, Morant still has the potential to have a big night like this, even with the likes of Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II.

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Where to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies NBA play-in tournament game?

ESPN will nationally televise the Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies NBA play-in tournament game at the FedExForum. NBA League Pass will provide online coverage outside the U.S. The game will begin at 9:30 p.m. ET. The winner of this contest will qualify for the playoffs as the eighth seed, while the loser will see their season end.