1 week Ago
Ja Morant gun celebration (Image via NBA) The Memphis Grizzlies face an uphill battle in their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder , made even tougher by the loss of their star player. Ja Morant suffered a hip injury during Game 3, leaving his team without their primary playmaker as they fight to stay alive in the postseason. Ja Morant officially ruled out for Game 5 Memphis Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant for Saturday’s crucial Game 5 after he sustained a hip injury in Thursday night’s matchup, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter when Morant collided with Thunder defender Lu Dort while attempting a drive to the basket. Ja Morant landed awkwardly on his hip and immediately showed signs of discomfort. Despite making his free throw after the foul, he exited the game and did not return.
He was later seen on crutches as the Memphis Grizzlies watched their 27-point lead evaporate in a crushing 114-108 loss. Interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo confirmed that Morant underwent further evaluations on Friday, with the team awaiting results before determining his availability beyond Game 5. How did Ja Morant get injured on April 25, 2025 With Memphis leading 67-40 late in the second quarter, Morant received a pass from Scotty Pippen Jr.
and elevated for a layup attempt. Dort fouled him mid-air, causing Morant to land hard on his right side. The impact left him in visible pain, and after briefly staying in the game to shoot his free throw, he retreated to the locker room.
Before exiting, Morant had tallied 15 points and five assists, playing a key role in Memphis’ early dominance. His absence in the second half proved costly as Oklahoma City mounted a massive comeback to take a 3-0 series lead. What’s next for the Memphis Grizzlies? Memphis now faces elimination in Game 5, scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.
m. ET on TNT. Without Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies will lean heavily on their supporting cast, including Jaren Jackson Jr.
and Desmond Bane, to extend the series. If Memphis forces a Game 6, it would take place on Monday, April 28, in Oklahoma City. However, with Morant’s status uncertain beyond Game 5, the Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff hopes hang in the balance.
Grizzlies vs. Thunder playoff schedule Below is the full first-round schedule between Memphis and Oklahoma City: - Game 1: Thunder 131, Grizzlies 80 - Game 2: Thunder 118, Grizzlies 99 - Game 3: Thunder 114, Grizzlies 108 - Game 4: Saturday, April 26 – 3:30 p.m.
ET - Game 5: Monday, April 28 – Time TBD - Game 6: Thursday, May 1 – Time TBD - Game 7: Saturday, May 3 – Time TBD Also read: Stephen Curry challenges Jonathan Kuminga to step up for Golden State Warriors amid Jimmy Butler injury As the Grizzlies prepare for a must-win Game 4, all eyes remain on Morant’s recovery timeline and whether he can return should the series extend beyond Saturday..
