Memphis star Ja Morant is prepared to take the court Friday night in the Grizzlies’ play-in game against the Dallas Mavericks, despite managing a sprained right ankle. Earlier in the day, Morant was listed as questionable as the team’s training staff worked diligently to ensure his readiness. His participation was confirmed approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled 8:30 p.m. tip-off.
Morant sustained the injury during the third quarter of Tuesday night’s game against Golden State. The incident occurred when he landed awkwardly on a Warriors player’s foot, prompting him to limp off the court. Although he made a return in the fourth quarter, he managed only four points in the Grizzlies’ 121-116 loss.
The outcome of the Dallas-Memphis game will determine which team advances to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City on Sunday in the first round of the playoffs.
