When the Cleveland Cavaliers' blowout victory over the Atlanta Hawks ended on TNT Thursday night, it was time for Inside the NBA to look forward to Houston Rockets-Memphis Grizzlies in the nightcap. Shaquille O'Neal shared what he was most excited to watch as two of the top three teams in the Western Conference squared off.
"I'm looking forward to the Ja Morant-Jalen Green matchup," he said.
It then became Ernie Johnson's solemn duty to inform O'Neal that Morant would not be playing in the game due to injury.
"I'm looking forward to the Ja Morant-Jalen Green matchup." - Shaq, ahead of the TNT broadcast of Rockets-Grizzlies
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 31, 2025
"Well, Ja Morant's out tonight." - Ernie Johnson
"Okay, so Ja Morant's out. So forget that..." - Shaq 🏀🎙️😂#NBA pic.twitter.com/LuYoQDb23g
Like a pro, O'Neal quickly pivoted and told the audience at home to forget what he had just said.
Morant has struggled to get onto the court this season, having missed 20 games due to injury. But in O'Neal's defense, the star guard had played in the Grizzlies' last two games and was only ruled out of the game roughly three hours before the analyst made his comments.
Status Update:
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 30, 2025
Ja Morant (RT Shoulder Soreness) is doubtful for tonight’s game against the Rockets. https://t.co/OmzlNn9cc7
Even without Morant, Memphis was able to squeak by Houston with a 120-119 victory.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Shaquille O'Neal Received Unfortunate News While Teasing Rockets-Grizzlies TNT Game.
