Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been officially cleared to play against the Miami Heat on Friday night, despite ongoing soreness in his left ankle. The star guard’s name appeared on the team’s injury report earlier this week, raising concern among fans. The injury, which traces back to a sprain sustained during practice on October 5, had sidelined Morant through the entire preseason. His return signals progress, but Memphis is expected to monitor his minutes closely as a precaution.
Ja Morant’s Injury and Return
According to the NBA’s official injury report, Ja Morant has been upgraded to “available” for tonight’s matchup against Miami. The 25-year-old guard continues to wear ankle braces for additional support, with team doctors describing his condition as “left ankle soreness.”
Morant made his regular-season return on October 22 versus the New Orleans Pelicans, where he recorded an explosive 35-point performance on 13-of-20 shooting, including the game-winning floater. Despite lingering discomfort, his impact on the court remains undeniable. However, the Grizzlies’ depth remains thin. Both Ty Jerome (calf strain) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe procedure) are sidelined, leaving limited point guard options behind Morant.
Coaches and Analyst Insights
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins addressed Morant’s availability, emphasizing the importance of cautious management:
“Ja is cleared and ready, but we’re taking things one game at a time. His health is our top priority, and we’ll adjust his minutes based on how he feels.”
Analysts across ESPN and 247Sports note that Morant’s return provides a crucial energy boost for a team that struggled offensively without him during the preseason. His explosiveness and leadership redefine Memphis’s tempo and spacing, making his presence a game-changer against defensive-heavy teams like the Heat.
What It Means for Memphis
Ja Morant’s availability brings relief and risk in equal measure. The Grizzlies are 0–1 entering this game and heavily rely on Morant’s shot creation to balance their offense. Any limitation in his mobility could affect Memphis’s fast-break rhythm and scoring efficiency. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also listed as questionable due to ankle soreness, Morant’s leadership becomes even more critical. If he aggravates the injury, the Grizzlies could face early-season struggles in maintaining playoff momentum.
What’s Next for the Grizzlies
After Friday’s matchup with the Miami Heat, the Grizzlies will host the Chicago Bulls on October 28 before embarking on a short road trip. The team’s medical staff will continue to monitor Morant’s workload and recovery progress throughout the week. Fans can expect regular injury updates through the team’s official channels and NBA injury reports.
