The Memphis Grizzlies are staring down the barrel of elimination — and the fate of their season could rest on one very uncertain ankle.
On Tuesday night, Memphis fell short in a brutal Play-In Tournament battle against the Golden State Warriors, a loss that knocked them out of the No. 7 seed race and into sudden-death territory. Golden State has punched their playoff ticket and will face the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, Memphis has just one final shot to stay alive — a high-pressure clash against the red-hot Dallas Mavericks, who just took down the Sacramento Kings.
But now, just hours before tip-off, the Grizzlies are facing a nightmare scenario.
During the loss to the Warriors, star guard Ja Morant suffered an ankle injury that sent shockwaves through the franchise. With their postseason hopes teetering, Morant’s status has become the biggest question in the NBA. The Grizzlies desperately need their explosive floor general, but with game day looming, his availability remains a mystery.
On Thursday, Memphis finally released an update — and it did little to calm nerves.
Morant did not practice with the team, and head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters that he’ll be a game-time decision. That means Grizzlies fans — and the Mavericks — won’t know whether the team’s most dynamic player will suit up until just before the ball goes up.
“Ja Morant did not practice today,” Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole posted on X. “Game-time decision, per Tuomas Iisalo.”
This isn’t just another game. Friday night’s matchup is a win-or-go-home battle, and the winner will go on to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. For the loser? The season ends.
Without Morant, the Grizzlies face an uphill battle against a Dallas team firing on all cylinders. But with him — even at less than 100% — Memphis has a fighting chance to defy the odds and claw their way into the playoffs.
One ankle. One game. One season on the line.
The stage is set for a dramatic Friday night showdown at 9:30 PM EST
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