Ja Morant Sidelined Week-to-Week with Sprained Ankle, Misses Season Opener

Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant is sidelined week-to-week after spraining his ankle during Sunday's practice, the team announced. This injury means Morant will miss the Grizzlies' season opener on October 6th, though the team's regular season officially begins October 22nd against New Orleans. Morant's recent seasons have been impacted by injuries and suspensions; he played 50 games last season, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists, and only nine games the season prior. He has only played 65 or more games once in his career, during his rookie year. This latest setback adds to Memphis's injury woes, as Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke are also expected to miss the start of the season recovering from surgeries, complicating the team's efforts in a competitive Western Conference.