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The Memphis Grizzlies will be without their best player in a pivotal Game 2 where they trail their first-round series one game to nothing.
Ja Morant will not play on Wednesday night as he deals with soreness from the injury he suffered in Game 1 on Sunday.
Morant said after Sunday’s 128-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers that his status for Game 2 was “in jeopardy” and that his pain tolerance was at a “10.”
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Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during Round 1 Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 16, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
The guard went for a highlight reel poster on Anthony Davis, who took a charge. When Morant braced for impact with his hand, his fingers collapsed backward.
He went to the locker room and did not return – the Lakers ended the game on a 23-11 run while Morant was out.
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during Round 1 Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 16, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Memphis hosts Game 2, but a loss will put them in a 2-0 hole having to go on the road to win four of the next five games. However, head coach Taylor Jenkins said they would take the injury “one day at a time.”
Morant had 18 points in Game 1 – he averaged 26.2 during the regular season. Surely, his absence was felt when he left the floor, as had been the case all year.
The Grizzlies went 51-31 during the regular season, a winning percentage of .622, but just 11-10 (.524) when Morant was inactive.
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball during Round 1 Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 16, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Game 2 tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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