What happened to Ja Morant? Closer look at Grizzlies star's injury after hard fall vs Lakers
It appears the Memphis Grizzlies will have to play without star point guard Ja Morant for a while. NBA Insider Michael Scotto said Saturday the two-time All-Star has been diagnosed with a hip subluxation, though there is no dislocation. He also has multiple Grade 1 muscle strains on his pelvis.
Morant is now listed as week-to-week and updates on his condition will be made as they become available. Prior to this announcement, Morant had already missed Friday's game against the Washington Wizards with right hip soreness as the reason listed for his absence.
In Morant's absence, point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. will likely be plugged into the starting lineup, just like he was against the Wizards.
While filling in for the injured Morant against Washington, Pippen Jr. secured his first career triple-double. In 28 minutes of action, he scored 11 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished 11 assists.
At the time of writing, Pippen Jr. is ninth in total assists with 69 for the 2024-25 season.
Also read: Ja Morant predicts Lakers & Warriors exiting early in 2024-25 Emirates NBA Cup
How did Morant get injured?
Morant fell hard to the floor against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday. With under four minutes left in the third quarter, the Memphis Grizzlies had a transition opportunity. Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia lobbed the ball to Morant who went up for the alley-oop attempt. Lakers big man Christian Koloko tried to contest the lob but ended up creating contact with Morant, which led to the guard's fall.
The play continued as the Lakers recovered the ball and scored on the other end. Afterward, Morant went into the locker room.
Prior to exiting the game, Morant logged 20 points, four rebounds and five assists. The Grizzlies would go on to win the game 131-114 despite Morant's early exit.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells each scored 20 points in the winning effort. Santi Aldama was also instrumental for the Grizzlies in the win as he logged an 11-point and 12-rebound double-double.
Pippen Jr. also had a significant contribution off the bench for Memphis. He led all Grizzlies reserves in scoring with 14 points and he also grabbed six rebounds and dished four assists. Meanwhile, LaRavia added 13 points and eight dimes.