Ja Morant Injury Update: Latest on Grizzlies star's return before New Year's eve showdown vs Suns (Dec. 31)

Ja Morant suffered another injury setback this season on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans while fighting over a Daniel Theis screen later in the third quarter. Morant took a brutal hit to his shoulder and immediately went down in pain, clutching on his right side. He sustained the blow on the same shoulder, which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season after a nine-game run.

According to the latest injury update provided by the Grizzlies, Morant is 'week to week,' citing a Grade I AC joint sprain. The star point guard played 20 out of 33 games this season, missing one game with this shoulder issue and others because of back, knee, hip, and thigh injuries.

Morant has averaged 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists, shooting 45.4%, including 32.3% from 3-point range.

Morant will likely miss his shot at individual honors again this season. He is on course to not meet the 65-game criteria. He's five absences away from disqualification.

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What is the Grizzlies record without Ja Morant?

The Grizzlies have stayed afloat in Ja Morant's absence, boasting an 8-5 record. With other All-Star caliber teammates like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane healthy, Memphis might have enough to take care of business against the weaker opponents in the conference.

However, per Tankathon, the Grizzlies have the second toughest remaining schedule across the league, with an average strength of schedule of 52.2. Over the next month, they will face powerhouses like the Suns, Warriors, Mavericks, Rockets (twice) and the Bucks.

They already dropped their most difficult game in the West against the conference-leading OKC Thunder on Sunday with a 130-106 blowout loss in Ja Morant's first absence because of the shoulder injury.

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How to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns game?

FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (Memphis) and Arizona's Family 3TV / Arizona's Family Sports will provide TV coverage of the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns game in respective states. Viewers outside the local regions can watch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET at the Footprint Center, the Suns' homecourt.