Ja Morant injury update: What caused the Memphis Grizzlies star to stay on the sidelines and when is he expected to return?

Memphis Grizzlies All-Star point guard Ja Morant missed the matchup with Sacramento on Monday night due to left ankle soreness. Morant was initially considered questionable to play prior to the game before ultimately being ruled out.

The fact that Morant was listed as questionable suggests that he is likely just dealing with some minor soreness. The Grizzlies were also on the second night of a back-to-back, after having played Phoenix on Sunday. So this likely played a role in Memphis’ decision to rest Morant as well.

The Grizzlies’ next game will be on Wednesday on the road against Golden State. As of now, Morant remains questionable to play. He is expected to be back for either this game, or perhaps the one after. If he needs to miss another game, backup point guard Tyus Jones will likely continue to start in his place.

How have the Memphis Grizzlies fared without Ja Morant this season?

Memphis Grizzlies All-Star point guard Ja Morant

In the absence of Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies were blown out by Sacramento on Monday night, 133-100. The loss dropped Memphis to 4-4 without Morant this season.

The Grizzlies allowed the Kings to score 47 points in the first quarter, including an NBA record-tying 12 made 3-pointers. Sacramento then proceeded to outscore Memphis 33-10 in the fourth quarter to put the Grizzlies away for good.

Sacramento had three players finish with 20-plus points in the win, led by reserve big man Trey Lyles with 24 points on 72.7% shooting. All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis also finished with a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists on 53.8% shooting.

Meanwhile, Memphis was led by shooting guard Desmond Bane, who finished with 21 points, four rebounds and five assists on 69.2% shooting.

Following the game, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins spoke about how his team will need to play much better against Golden State in their next game.

“We have to focus on getting better and playing better against Golden State,” Jenkins said.

“Just continue to play hard and play together and just try and find a groove,” Jenkins continued.

The loss marked the Grizzlies’ third straight following their 11-game winning streak. They now sit at 31-16 and second in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Sacramento is now third in the West at 27-19.