Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is dealing with a hip strain “week to week,” the team announced in a statement Saturday.
“While attempting to catch a lob during the third quarter of the November 6 game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Morant was destabilized in mid-air by a Lakers player, causing him to go into extreme right hip flexion. Imaging revealed a subluxation of the posterior hip (without dislocation) along with multiple associated grade 1 pelvic muscle strains.”
The guard suffered a hip injury after landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt during last Wednesday’s 131-114 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. As the Grizzlies’ statement explained, Morant attempted to catch a lob but was then undermined by Christian Koloko.
No foul was called and Morant slowly stood up as play continued to the other end of the court. He then asked Grizzlies assistant Tuomas Iisalo to leave the game.
The team initially said Morant was doubtful to return with a hamstring injury and that he was on a stationary bike in the tunnel in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Afterwards, Morant expressed his frustration with the way the Lakers defended him.
“Fouling,” Morant said, via Damichael Cole of Memphis Commercial Appeal. “That’s what we talk about. Fouls. That’s why I didn’t play the rest of the game. Fouls. Let’s talk about it.”
Morant did not play in Friday’s 128-104 win against the Washington Wizards and was seen using crutches. The Grizzlies begin a three-game road trip out West on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Eight games into the season, Morant is averaging 20.6 points and 9.1 assists per game. However, he has battled several injuries early on, spraining his ankle during the preseason and missing a regular season game with soreness in his right thigh.
