Ja Morant will make his return to the court tonight against the Houston Rockets, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
The Memphis Grizzlies superstar hasn’t played since Dec. 27 due to a Grade 1 AC joint sprain after getting hit by a Daniel Theis screen against the New Orleans Pelicans.
On the season, Morant is averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 20 games.
Morant was initially listed as week-to-week with the shoulder injury, and this return means he will have missed a total of five games in 12 days.
Perfect Timing
Considering the opponent, Morant’s return couldn’t be more timely.
The Houston Rockets are second in the West with a 24-12 record, just a half-game ahead of the Grizzlies at 24-13. This game could have significant implications down the line, and so Morant’s return will be a welcome sight for Memphis.
These two teams have only met once so far, back in late October, with the Rockets winning, 128-108. Morant had 24 points but zero rebounds and just two assists in that game.
Houston and Memphis will meet for a third time on Jan. 13 before the season series completes on Jan. 30 in Memphis.
Life Better With Ja
Memphis has gone 10-7 without Morant this season, including 2-3 during his latest absence.
They were 21-52 without him last season (when other key players were missing as well), 11-10 in 2022-23 and a stellar 20-5 in 2021-22.
Scotty Pippen Jr. has performed quite well in the absence of Morant, contributing 13.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals in 16 starts.
Grizzlies Injury Woes
After injuries took a heavy toll last season, they are once again among the leaders in man games lost to injury this season.
Several key players have missed time at different points this season while Marcus Smart still remains out with a right finger injury.
It’s a tremendous credit to Taylor Jenkins and the rest of his coaching staff to keep the team ready and find ways to still be effective enough to hold the third seed in the West.
Take advantage of Morant’s availability to beat the Rockets and they will return to the second seed.
