The severity of Ja Morant's hand injury has not been determined, but there was some good news for Memphis Grizzlies fans. It looks like the All-Star avoided a serious setback.
In his postgame presser after the Grizzlies lost Game 1 of their NBA playoff series to the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed that the X-rays on Morant's hand were negative. The point guard is expected to undergo more tests on his injured hand, although the X-ray results are definitely encouraging.
“He's in some pain,” Jenkins said of Morant, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
For those who missed it, Ja Morant sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of the showdown with the Lakers. As he was attacking the rim midway through the period, Lakers center Anthony Davis blocked his path. Morant lost his balance midair and fell awkwardly with his hands taking the full brunt of the impact.
Video replays of the incident showed Morant's fingers on his right hand bending awkwardly. He was able to return to the bench after a trip to the locker room. However, he did not play again and was nursing his hands on the bench.
It remains to be seen if the injury will force Morant to be sidelined in the playoffs. The Grizzlies can't afford to be without Morant, especially after losing the first game of the best-of-seven series. The 23-year-old is Memphis' main offensive weapon, and it's hard to see them being able to compete against the Lakers without their superstar.
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