NBA Roundup: Morant Returns, Embiid Pushes Through, and the Pacers Play It Safe with Jones
Grizzlies: Ja Morant’s Return Brings Energy-and Rust
Ja Morant was back on the floor Friday night, and while the numbers were a mixed bag, the energy he brought was unmistakable. After missing ten games with a right calf strain, Morant finished with 21 points and 10 assists in just over 25 minutes of action. The Grizzlies are clearly easing him back into the flow, but Morant didn’t waste any time trying to reassert himself as the engine of Memphis’ offense.
The shot selection? Aggressive.
The efficiency? Still a work in progress.
Morant shot just 7-of-20 from the field and turned the ball over four times. But after a stretch on the sidelines, that kind of rust is to be expected.
What mattered most was his willingness to get back into attack mode.
“I was forced to get some shots up,” Morant said postgame. “Some I missed.
Some I made. I just got to live with it.”
That mindset is classic Morant-confident, fearless, and focused on the long game. The Grizzlies aren’t asking him to be perfect right away.
They’re looking for rhythm, chemistry, and leadership. And even with the uneven shooting, Morant brought all three in flashes.
Memphis knows what kind of player they have. Now it’s about getting him back to full speed without pushing too hard too fast.
76ers: Embiid’s Knee Holding Up as Conditioning Improves
Joel Embiid continues to walk the fine line between dominance and durability, and this past weekend showed encouraging signs on both fronts. After suiting up for games on both Friday and Sunday, Embiid said he no longer needs two full days off between appearances-a big development considering how carefully the Sixers have managed his knee issues this season.
The reigning MVP isn’t quite at peak conditioning yet, but he’s trending in the right direction. On Sunday, he posted 22 points, a season-high 14 rebounds, and added two blocks. That’s the kind of stat line Philly fans have come to expect, but the real takeaway was his ability to push through some fatigue and still impact both ends of the floor.
“I feel OK,” Embiid said. “I was a little tired out there, but I feel good.”
That’s a win for the Sixers. With Embiid, it’s always about the long-term picture.
If he can stay on the floor consistently and keep building stamina, Philadelphia’s ceiling remains sky-high. The Sixers aren’t just managing minutes-they’re managing a championship window.
Pacers: Kam Jones Still Waiting, But Staying Ready
Indiana rookie Kam Jones hasn’t made his season debut yet, but the Pacers are keeping him close to the action. The second-round pick was active Friday night, and while he didn’t see any game time, head coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the importance of keeping Jones involved in the game-day routine.
It’s a classic case of development over urgency. The Pacers are taking a measured approach with Jones, making sure he’s absorbing the NBA pace and process even if he’s not logging minutes yet. For a young guard trying to carve out a role, being part of the pregame prep and bench dynamic is more valuable than it might seem on the surface.
There’s no rush here. Indiana likes what they have in Jones, and they’re playing the long game. When the moment comes, they want him ready-not just physically, but mentally and rhythmically as well.
Bottom Line
Between Morant shaking off the rust, Embiid managing his workload like a pro, and Jones staying patient in Indiana, this weekend offered a snapshot of three very different stages of NBA careers. But they all share one thing: the understanding that success in this league isn’t just about talent-it’s about timing, trust, and the ability to adapt.