After missing all but nine games during the 2023-24 season, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant returned from his year of injury and suspension on a mission.

In his first eight appearances of the new season, Morant averaged 20.6 points and a career-high 9.1 assists per game, leading Memphis to a 5-3 record in games he played. plays.

Unfortunately for Morant, he was injured Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, a game that meant more to him than many others. Morant left Wednesday’s game with a hamstring injury after suffering a heavy fall in the third quarter and did not return.

Although it was a hamstring that ruled Morant out of this game, he was ruled out of Friday night’s game against the Washington Wizards due to right hip soreness.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has since provided an update on the injury, saying Morant is now expected to have a follow-up checkup on Saturday, giving the team a better idea of ​​when he can return to action. .

Morant’s injury history has been a concern since finishing second overall in 2019, as the star point guard has failed to play more than 70 games in an NBA season, maxing out at 67 in his rookie of the year season.

The two-time NBA All-Star led the Grizzlies to a 56-win 2021-21 season and a 51-win 2022-23 season, earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference both years. The Grizzlies have done their best to surround the star guard with talent, such as 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, but the group has to barely been in good health overall.

Morant is expected to miss his second game of the season when the Grizzlies host the Wizards on Friday, as the team is certainly hoping his injury isn’t too serious.

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