NBA: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant has mild ankle sprain

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) walks with trainer after leaving the game with an injury during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has a mild left ankle sprain, coach Taylor Jenkins said Wednesday.

Jenkins said an MRI exam detected the seriousness.

Jenkins said the team will be cautious with Morant but is hopeful he will be available for the season opener against the host Utah Jazz on Oct. 23.

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Morant, 25, injured the ankle during Monday’s 121-116 NBA preseason victory over the host Dallas Mavericks. He collected 13 points, four rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes.

A two-time All-Star, Morant was limited to nine games last season due to suspension and injury. He missed the first 25 games while being disciplined for “conduct detrimental to the league” and later sustained a season-ending right shoulder injury.

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In five NBA seasons, the former No. 2 overall pick has career averages of 22.5 points, 7.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.

The Grizzlies also could be without standout forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring) when they open the season. He was injured during the team’s first practice of the season on Oct. 1. –Field Level Media