SAN ANTONIO — Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is unlikely to play against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.
Morant, who is dealing with right foot soreness, was listed as questionable on Thursday’s injury report ahead of a nationally televised contest against the Spurs. He was officially declared out `by the Grizzlies a little more than an hour before tipoff.
Morant tested the ankle out on Friday morning and gave it one more attempt during warmups, Jenkins said.
“He’s been nursing a foot sprain since the Houston home game,” Jenkins said. “Last game against the Spurs, he got tangled up, had a little collision there with a Spurs player that really worsened it.”
Morant finished with 21 points and 12 assists in Wednesday’s win against the Spurs.
Morant will miss his 18th game of the season, which makes him ineligible for regular season NBA awards. Players must be active for at least 65 games to qualify.
The Grizzlies (26-15) have a 10-7 record when Morant is unavailable this season. Scotty Pippen Jr., Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard are among the players expected to work as primary ball handlers.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
