Why Is Ja Morant Not Playing? How Long Is Ja Out For?

Coming into the postseason, the Memphis Grizzlies cannot seem to shake the injury bug. Toward the end of the season, they ended up losing their two big men, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke to injuries. Hosting the Lakers for Game 1, the Grizzlies ended up losing Ja Morant to a hand injury.

Having played 30 minutes, Morant had scored 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Morant was starting to put on a show, when he drove strong to the basket, where Anthony Davis stood and took a charge.

This resulted in Ja falling down abruptly and hurting his hand. The pain was too much to handle and we saw Ja exit for the locker room.

Ja Morant headed to the locker room with an apparent injury after this play. pic.twitter.com/MZOrSN9Tmz

— ESPN (@espn) April 16, 2023

Even though he returned to the bench, Morant did not check into the game again. Morant isn’t playing tonight because of right-hand soreness.

How long is Ja Morant out for?

Heading into Game 2, Ja Morant was listed as questionable. This gave fans hope that he might be present for the contest. However, an hour or so before tip-off, Morant was ruled out by the Grizzlies.

Ja Morant (right hand soreness) has been ruled out for Game 2, per Grizzlies.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 19, 2023

After Game 1, Morant had X-Rays done, which came out negative. He’s got internal bruising on his hand but there is hope that he will be good to go come Game 3 in Los Angeles.