MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies steals the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round 1 Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

NBA Rumors: Ja Morant's Hand Injury in 'a Measure of Pain' Before Grizzlies-Lakers

Jack MurrayApr 22, 2023

Ja Morant will be a game-time decision with a hand injury for the Memphis Grizzlies' Game 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, but his chances of playing are not necessarily promising.

In an appearance on NBA Countdown, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said that Morant will warm up with the team in preparation for the showdown.

However, Wojnarowski also noted that Morant was in "a measure of pain" during the team's shootaround Saturday morning. He suffered the injury during Game 1 and missed Game 2 as a result. He notably struggled to catch passes on Friday.

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Morant, who averaged 26.2 points and 8.1 assists across 61 games this season, scored 18 points in 30 minutes during the Grizzlies' 128-112 Game 1 loss to the Lakers.

Tyus Jones started in Morant's place in Game 2, scoring 10 points with eight assists and six rebounds in 36 minutes. Xavier Tillman led the scoring with 22 points as the Grizzlies won 103-93, evening the series at one game apiece.

The Grizzlies went 11-10 without Morant during the regular season and 16-25 on the road in general.

Game 3 will tip off at 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena.