The Memphis Grizzlies just can't seem to catch a break. On a night that should’ve been a celebration - an 18-point road win over the Clippers and the return of Ja Morant - the team was dealt another blow.
Morant, who had recently come back from a calf injury, left the game late in the fourth quarter after turning his left ankle on a drive to the basket. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said postgame that Morant “tweaked” the ankle and will undergo further evaluation, though he expressed hope that the injury isn’t serious.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for a Memphis squad already navigating a long list of injuries. Just as Morant returned to the lineup, the Grizzlies lost rookie big man Zach Edey, who’s now expected to miss four weeks due to an ankle issue of his own. It’s been that kind of season for Memphis - every step forward seems to come with a step back.
But there is a glimmer of good news. Forward Brandon Clarke, who hasn’t played this season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in September, is inching closer to a return.
He was upgraded to “doubtful” ahead of Monday’s game before ultimately being ruled out, but the trend is pointing in the right direction. Clarke could be back as early as Wednesday when the Grizzlies visit Minnesota - a potentially big boost for a frontcourt that’s been stretched thin.
Around the League: Injury Updates
In Dallas, the Mavericks are adjusting on the fly after losing Dereck Lively II for the season. That’s put more weight on the shoulders of Daniel Gafford, who’s been battling through a right ankle sprain of his own.
Gafford returned to action Monday after missing three games, but was clearly limited, logging just 13 minutes in an overtime loss. The Mavs were also without Anthony Davis, who’s dealing with a left calf contusion, making the frontcourt depth even more of a concern.
Gafford knows the balancing act well - wanting to be out there for his team, but needing to be smart about his body. “I just want to come back and be able to do the things I’m able to do out there on the floor and make an impact,” he said.
“I don’t want to be out there being a liability and hurting the team more than helping them.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many players this time of year, as the grind of the season starts to take its toll.
Meanwhile in Sacramento, Zach LaVine’s return didn’t last long. After missing last Thursday’s game against Denver with a thumb injury, LaVine was back on the court Sunday in Minnesota - but only briefly.
He played just 16 minutes before injuring his left ankle in the second quarter. He tried to test it during halftime warmups, but ultimately hobbled off and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
His status moving forward remains uncertain.
And in Phoenix, the Suns are taking a cautious approach with Jalen Green, who’s been sidelined since early November with a right hamstring strain. Head coach Jordan Ott made it clear they’re not rushing anything.
“We’ve got to be in the mindset that this is a young athlete that is super valuable,” Ott said. Green has started doing some on-court work and is making solid progress, with signs pointing to a return shortly after Christmas.
Final Word
Injuries are part of the game, but for teams like the Grizzlies, Mavs, Kings, and Suns, they’re shaping the season in a big way. Whether it’s star players like Morant and LaVine, or key role guys like Gafford and Clarke, the ability to get - and stay - healthy could be the difference between playoff contention and falling behind in a crowded Western Conference.