Ja Morant Progressing 'Well' from Ankle Injury, Grizzlies HC Gives Update on Recovery

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is "progressing really well" from the left ankle sprain he suffered ahead of the preseason, head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters Friday.

Iisalo added that Morant worked with his teammates in a Friday shootaround but will sit out the evening's preseason finale at the Miami Heat (h/t Grizzlies.com's Michael Wallace).

The Grizzlies tip off the regular season next Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Morant has sat out the entirety of the Grizzlies' preseason since spraining his ankle during an Oct. 5 practice.

The Grizzlies star has downplayed the possibility that he could miss the regular season opener since days after the injury.

This wouldn't be the first time an injury has limited Morant for a significant part of the season, however. Injuries and suspensions have limited Morant to just 59 games over the last two seasons.

The Grizzlies were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder from the first round in part due to losing Morant to a hip contusion during Game 3.

A healthy season from Morant will be key to the Grizzlies' hopes of a deeper playoff run, although he's not the only player whose injury status the team will be watching heading into the campaign.

Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been recovering from July toe surgery, missed most of the preseason before returning to the lineup for Wednesday's exhibition matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Iisalo said at the time Jackson's return was "weeks ahead of schedule."

The Grizzlies are expecting to start the season without Zach Edey, who is recovering from June ankle surgery, and Brandon Clarke, who underwent an arthroscopic procedure in his new in September.

Memphis' latest injury concern regards guard Ty Jerome, who suffered an apparent leg injury and was helped off the court during Friday's preseason finale against the Heat.

If Jerome is forced to miss any time with his injury, Morant's injury status will have an even more significant impact on the Grizzlies as the team prepares to open the season with an injury-thinned backcourt.