Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is expected to play in Wednesday’s regular season opener vs. New Orleans after missing the entire preseason with a sprained left ankle, writes Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (subscription required).
“Ja is progressing really well,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said after Monday’s practice. “He’s expected to make a return on opening night.”
As Cole notes, Morant sustained the injury during a practice on October 5. He was considered week-to-week at the time, and it sounds like he’ll be ready to go about two-and-a-half weeks later.
Morant, a two-time All-Star, only played nine games in 2023/24 — he was suspended for the first 25 games of the campaign, then underwent season-ending surgery in January 2024 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The 26-year-old was plagued by health issues last season as well, appearing in 50 games due to a variety of injuries, including repeated problems with the same shoulder.
Morant’s return appearing imminent is certainly good news for Memphis, which will be shorthanded in the backcourt before the season even begins — Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe surgery) is out 12-plus weeks, while Ty Jerome (right calf strain) is out at least four.
Iisalo also provided a minor injury update on fourth-year wing Vince Williams Jr., Cole adds. Williams, who was limited to just 27 games last season due to injuries and missed some time during the preseason, is battling “nagging heel soreness” — an issue the team continues to monitor.