MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two-time All-Star Ja Morant is week to week after spraining his left ankle in practice, the Memphis Grizzlies said Monday.
Morant sprained his ankle during practice Sunday on what coach Tuomas Iisalo said was just a basketball play. The Grizzlies opened the pre-season Monday night against the Detroit Pistons, and they host New Orleans in their season opener Oct. 22.
"Luckily, it’s pre-season, and we look to have him back soon,” Iisalo said before tipoff against the Pistons.
Morant joins a list of injured starters for the Grizzlies that includes Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey. Jackson has said he's targeting being ready for the season opener.
Morant has played only 59 games combined over the past two seasons between various injuries and league suspensions. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Morant has played in only 56 per cent of the Grizzlies’ 328 regular-season games. He also has missed five games in Memphis’ last three post-season berths.
Morant represents the latest injury blow to Memphis, which will also start the season without Canadians Zach Edey (ankle) and Brandon Clarke (knee). Forward Jaren Jackson was ruled out for 12 weeks in early July after undergoing a procedure for turf toe.
The Grizzlies, who traded fellow all-star Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in the off-season, open their pre-season schedule Monday.
— With files from Sportsnet Staff
