The Memphis Grizzlies have their backs against the wall. They trail the best-of-seven series against the Golden State Warriors three games to one heading back to Memphis. The chances of winning three straight against Golden State was already going to be difficult. It might have just become nearly impossible.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is considered doubtful to return for the rest of the entire playoffs.
BREAKING: Ja Morant is DOUBTFUL for the remainder of the 2022 NBA playoffs with a bone bruise, but is expected to make a full recovery, the Grizzlies have announced.
An MRI on his knee revealed the bone bruise in his right knee. pic.twitter.com/7u0CpRTn2E
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 10, 2022
Morant suffered what is being called a bone bruise in Game 3's loss to the Warriors when Golden State guard Jordan Poole appeared to contact his knee. An MRI done on the Grizzlies star revealed the bone bruise. Even though he might not return in the playoffs, Memphis expects him to make a full recovery.
This is a deathly blow to the Grizzlies, both on the court and off. Memphis can take solace in the fact that they finished the regular season 20-5 in games without Morant. But psychologically, this will be tough to get past for such a young team. That is particularly true against a team with as much post season experience as the Warriors.
The Grizzlies are going to need players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks to all step up their game. Memphis was one of the best home teams in the NBA this season, posting a 30-11 record in front of their home crowd. But the daunting challenge of winning three straight might have played a factor into the Grizzlies' likely decision to rest Morant.
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