Ja Morant appears on the injury report after the nuclear season opener

When I Morant is on the court, NBA fans are often reminded why the dynamic Memphis Grizzlies the point guard was once the potential face of the league. He effortlessly bends his body as he finishes at the rim and soars to mind-boggling heights as he throws down an emphatic jam, both stunning and awe-inspiring the hoops-watching world. There’s one big problem, though: we never know when the 26-year-old is going to leave next.

Monitoring fantastic season opener in which he exploded for 35 points on 13-of-20 shooting in a 128-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Morant is already on the injury report. He is listed interrogatively for Friday’s home game against the Miami Heat due to wrist soreness, via NBA correspondent Marc Stein.

The Grizzlies are already without Zach Eddy, Scottie Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, Brandon Clark and Vince Williams Jr., continuing a troubling trend early season injury problems. Losing anyone else, let alone a franchise pillar, is enough to give the Bluff City a collective migraine. While this update doesn’t seem alarming, it is clearly concerning to know that Morant’s status is in some doubt ahead of Game 2. However, fans probably should have expected such a situation.

Ja Morant of the Grizzlies just can’t stay on the floor

The 2021-22 All-NBA second-team selection and two-time All-Star played in just 59 games combined over the past two seasons. 25 game suspension for the gun-waving on social media counted little toward that meager total, but lingering health questions still hover over Ja Morant. Memphis may have to monitor his condition through the 2025-26 campaign, which is not a development the organization likely expected until now.

Still, it’s a double-edged sword for one of the sport’s most exciting athletes. Morant’s free-flowing, fearless style of play helps the Grizzlies stay competitive and regularly electrifies FedExForum, but it also increases the risk of a hard fall or muscle pull. How does he and the team reconcile this conundrum? That key question remains unanswered.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Morant’s status, it’s important to appreciate the wizardry the former No. 2 overall draft pick displays when he’s active. The home crowd will be hoping to see him at full strength against the coming heat. Tip-off is scheduled for Friday at 8 PM ET.