The Memphis Grizzlies dodge a bullet as Ja Morant is only expected to miss a couple of weeks.
A few days ago, when Ja Morant went down with a knee injury it seemed as if all hope was gone for the Memphis Grizzlies pertaining to this season. The injury looked bad and from all indications, it was one that was not only going to cost Morant a good portion of this season but also destroy all hopes the Grizzlies had of making the playoffs.
However, after further examination, it seems as if the season is back on for Memphis and that Morant could be back with the team in a matter of a couple of weeks. You’d have to imagine that is a best-case scenario for Morant.
Though, considering the optics around the injury when it happened, that’s great news all around.
If the Grizzlies are going to remain afloat in the Western Conference, they’re going to need a healthy Morant for the bulk of the second half of the season. And if that means he misses a month of action now for the stretch run, perhaps it’s something the Grizzlies are willing to see happen.
As it currently stands, the Grizzlies are 10-10 and technically tied for the sixth seed in the West. If Morant were to miss 2-3 weeks, that means he is likely sitting out for roughly 15 games. To remain afloat in the West, you’d have to assume that the Grizzlies would have to go close to .500 without him in the lineup.
Quite frankly, I’m not sure how likely that is. Since Morant has been with the Grizzlies, Memphis has a 6-9 record with him out of the lineup. If they can pull that off again, they will likely still be within striking distance in the West.
And that might be all it takes.
With how well Morant has started this season, the Grizzlies have emerged as a true threat in the West. Perhaps not a threat that can win a championship, but one that could potentially play spoiler in the first or second round of the playoffs.
But, for now, Morant needs to get healthy. Once he is, then the Grizzlies can turn their attention to make a real run to the postseason.