Ja Morant Unexpectedly Downgraded for Grizzlies vs Rockets

The Memphis Grizzlies may have to face the Houston Rockets without Ja Morant
Jan 13, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) smiles after a play during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) smiles after a play during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies entered Thursday night with the hopes of preventing the Houston Rockets from sweeping them 4-0 in the regular season series.

With Houston being the second seed and Memphis being the third seed, there is more on the line than just pride. Memphis has already lost the tiebreaker, but they need to catch up to Houston in the standings.

Unfortunately, it looks like there's a very high chance Memphis will have to get it done without their best player on Thursday.

The Memphis Grizzlies began the day with Ja Morant listed as available against the Houston Rockets. He was then downgraded to questionable with right shoulder soreness. He has now then since been downgraded again to doubtful with right shoulder soreness.

Though Morant has been playing for the Grizzlies, he's been struggling as of late and does not look like himself. In the last five games, Morant has been averaging 15.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 3.6 rebounds on 47/28/76 shooting from the field.

On Wednesday, when Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins was asked about Morant's struggles, he had this to say.

"He’s working his way back," Jenkins said. "I think his intensity has been there every single game. We just got to get him going. That’s on me to jumpstart him. I know he and I have had great conversations."

With the way things are looking, there is a high likelihood the Memphis Grizzlies will have to face off against the Houston Rockets without Ja Morant.

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Farbod Esnaashari
FARBOD ESNAASHARI

12-year NBA veteran that's covered the league on Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and ESPN