The Memphis Grizzlies announced Monday that guard Ja Morant will be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks after suffering a right calf strain in Saturday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Morant left midway through the first quarter after reporting calf soreness and did not return. Further evaluation confirmed a Grade 1 strain, and he is set to be re-examined in “approximately two weeks.”
The injury comes during an already turbulent season for the two-time All-Star, who was suspended one game on Nov. 2 for what the team described as “conduct detrimental to the team.” According to reports, that suspension stemmed from an exchange with head coach Tuomas Iisalo following a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, during which Morant’s response to a challenge about his leadership and effort was deemed inappropriate.
Morant has since appeared in six of seven games after the suspension, averaging 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1 steal while posting career-low shooting percentages — 35.9% from the field and 16.7% from three. His scoring output is his lowest since his rookie year and well below his career average of 22.4 points per game.
Morant scored seven points in six minutes before exiting Saturday’s game, which marked his return after missing Wednesday’s game in Boston with a sore ankle. The Grizzlies has already been dealing with significant injuries: Ty Jerome remains out with a high-grade calf strain, Scotty Pippen Jr. is sidelined with a toe injury, and Brandon Clarke continues recovering from knee surgery. Center Zach Edey only just returned in the Cleveland game.
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