Ja Morant is set to play in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the OKC Thunder after being cleared from his ankle injury. The star guard injured his right ankle during a play-in game against the Golden State Warriors but managed to finish the game despite visible pain. He received treatment and an injection to help with the pain and swelling ahead of the Grizzlies’ crucial game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Although there were concerns about his fitness, Morant proved his readiness in Game 1 against the Thunder. He showcased his skills early in the game by scoring a putback basket over his teammate, dispelling any doubts about his performance. Morant ended the game with an impressive stat line of 22 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds as Memphis secured the eighth seed with a 120-106 victory.
In his previous encounters with the OKC Thunder, Morant has a 7-6 record in 13 regular-season games and averages 17.2 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. He faced the Thunder twice this season, with Memphis losing both games. Despite the losses, Morant put up decent numbers with 16 points and seven assists in one game and 24 points in the other.
The Memphis Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday at Paycom Center. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and can also be streamed live on NBA League Pass and fuboTV.
Rajdeep Barman, the U.S. Sports Editor at Sportskeeda, has provided valuable insights into Ja Morant’s performance and the upcoming playoff clash. With a background in journalism and a passion for basketball, Barman’s expertise adds depth to the analysis of Morant’s impact on the court. As the editor of this article, Barman ensures the highest standards of relevance, accuracy, and ethics in the content presented.
In conclusion, Ja Morant’s return from injury has bolstered the Memphis Grizzlies’ chances in the NBA Playoffs. His stellar performance in Game 1 against the Thunder sets the tone for an exciting series ahead. Fans can look forward to witnessing Morant’s dynamic play and leadership on the court as he aims to lead the Grizzlies to playoff success.
