Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is “week-to-week” with a strained hip, the team announced in a statement Saturday.
“While attempting to catch a lob during the third quarter of a November 6 game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Morant was destabilized in the air by a Lakers player, causing him to fall into extreme right hip flexion. Imaging revealed posterior hip subluxation (without dislocation).) along with multiple associated Grade 1 pelvic muscle strains.”
The guard suffered a hip strain 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 tried to catch a lob then was undercut by Christian Koloko.
No foul was called and Morant slowly rose as play continued to the other end of the court. He then asked Grizzlies assistant Tuomas Iisalo to come out of the game.
The team initially said Morant was doubtful to return with a hamstring injury and was seen sitting on an exercise bike in the tunnel during the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Later, Morant expressed his frustration with how the Lakers defended him.
“Fouling,” Morant said, via Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “We’re talking about it. Fouling. That’s why I didn’t play the rest of the game. Fouling. Let’s talk about it.”
Morant did not play in Friday’s 128-104 win against the Washington Wizards and was seen on 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 dealt with multiple injuries early on, spraining his ankle during the preseason and missing a regular season game with soreness in his right thigh.
