Why Ja Morant isn't playing for Grizzlies tonight vs. Nuggets with injury news

Caleb Hightower

Why Ja Morant isn't playing for Grizzlies tonight vs. Nuggets with injury news image

The Memphis Grizzlies have all the makings of a team poised to be on the outside looking in come April. 

The franchise has lost six of its first 17 games and is likely near the bottom of the league in terms of health.

Memphis’ standout point guard, Ja Morant, is among the contributors sidelined, as a lower-body setback has forced him to miss the Grizzlies’ last five games. Morant will increase that streak to six games when Memphis takes on the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. 

Why Ja Morant isn't playing tonight vs. Nuggets with injury news

Following Morant’s premature departure from the Grizzlies’ Nov. 15 contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Morant received a helpful injury update from Memphis Commercial Appeal’s Damichael Cole. 

“Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is dealing with a right calf strain suffered in a game on Nov. 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers," Cole stated.

“Morant will be reevaluated in two weeks, meaning he'll be sidelined for the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on Nov. 20.” 

Unsurprisingly, the Murray State product is listed as out for Memphis’ upcoming clash against the Nuggets on the organization’s official injury report.

Although Morant is one of the most talented young players in the league, injuries and poor perimeter shooting have denied him the opportunity to reach the next step as an offense-minded stud. 

The 26-year-old is averaging 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds this season, shooting 35.9% from the field and 16.7% from three.

Hopefully, Morant’s health and three-point shooting improve sooner rather than later.

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