Injury News: Memphis Grizzlies Get Leading Scorer Back

The Southwest Division-leading Memphis Grizzlies will get a massive boost when they get leading scorer Ja Morant back from a knee injury tonight.

Morant has missed the Grizzlies last 12 games with a left knee sprain he suffered in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Prior to Morant’s injury, the Grizzlies were sitting at 9-10, good enough for ninth in the west, but have gone 10-2 without their young star which has brought their record up to 4th in the Western Conference as the Grizzlies get ready to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After being upgraded to questionable earlier in the day, NBA Correspondent Marc Stein reported that Ja Morant was healthy and would be active for tonight’s game.

Grizzlies say Ja Morant indeed returns to the lineup tonight. https://t.co/4cvOXUBny2
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 21, 2021

In Morant’s absence, the Grizzlies offense has been buoyed by the likes of Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane and a returning-to-form Jaren Jackson Jr but they will all likely be breathing a sigh of relief to have their leader and number one option back on the floor.

It is worth noting, however, that in the Grizzlies’ last 12 games, they have faced 10 teams with a record at or worse than .500 meaning that the Grizzlies’ success is more related to their strength of schedule than it is an indictment on Morant’s leadership.

Here’s hoping the Grizzlies can continue their momentum and this promising young team can continue to make noise in the suddenly-open Western Conference. Check out below for some of the best highlights from Ja Morant in his young career.