Is Ja Morant playing tonight? Latest update for Game 3: Lakers at Grizzlies

The second-seed Memphis Grizzlies playoff opener didn’t go according to plan. The 7th-seed Los Angeles Lakers managed to take Game 1 thanks to a dominant fourth quarter. While the Grizzlies did manage to take Game 2, they are likely far more concerned with the health of superstar Ja Morant.

Morant went down midway through the fourth quarter of their Game 1 loss to the Lakers and didn’t return. Morant was already dealing with a hand issue when he fell and hit it. He went back to the team locker room and was quickly ruled out for the game and later Game 2.

Now Game 3 is very much in question, as is the series for Memphis. After all, they will need him healthy for the Grizzlies to beat the Lakers in a seven-game series and ultimately win a championship.

Ja Morant’s injury status for Game 3: Lakers at Grizzlies

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, there was “significant doubt” about whether Morant would play Game 2 against the Lakers, and he ultimately didn’t.

Update:

Ja Morant will play Game 3.

When will Ja Morant play?

Luckily for the Grizzlies, there is a gap between Game 1 and Game 2. That extra day could help him, even if he doesn’t play on Wednesday. With Game 3 on Saturday, Morant would have six days to recover. Of course, resting Morant for Game 2 could backfire and the Grizzlies could go down 0-2 if he doesn’t play.

Memphis Grizzlies’ full injury report

In addition to Morant potentially missing Game 3, Jake LaRavia, Steven Adams, and Brandon Clarke are on the injury report. Adams and Clarke have been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury and an Achilles tear while LaRavia is out due to his calf.

Memphis Grizzlies’ full first-round series schedule

Game-3-Sat, Apr 22 @ Los Angeles, 10:00 PM, ESPN
Game-4-Mon, Apr 24 @ Los Angeles, 10:00 PM, TNT
Game-5-Wed, Apr 26 Los Angeles, TBD
Game-6-Fri, Apr 28 @ Los Angeles, TBD
Game-7-Sun, Apr 30 Los Angeles, TBD

Overall, Morant will play Game 3. Fortunately, for Memphis, they aren’t down 0-2 heading to Los Angeles and still have a chance to win the series.