The Memphis Grizzlies received positive news on Friday as star point guard Ja Morant moves closer to returning to the court.
Morant, the face of the franchise, traveled with the team to Chicago and is listed as doubtful for Saturday night’s game against the Bulls. This marks the first time he hasn’t been ruled out since suffering hip and pelvic injuries during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6. The Grizzlies are 4-3 in his absence.
Getting Morant back would be a significant boost for a team that recently welcomed back shooting guard Desmond Bane from an oblique injury. Bane had his best performance in four games since his return during Wednesday’s 117-111 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Bane recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, hitting five three-pointers. Before this game, he was just 2 of 16 from three-point range over the previous three games.
The victory over Philadelphia also marked the 215th career win for coach Taylor Jenkins, surpassing the franchise record previously held by Lionel Hollins. Jenkins is in his sixth season with the Grizzlies.
The Bulls defeated the Grizzlies in Memphis on October 28 in their first meeting of the season. Zach LaVine scored 30 points in the 126-123 victory. LaVine has had three solid games in a row, averaging 26 points and making 15 of 29 three-point attempts during this stretch.
In Friday’s 136-122 victory over the visiting Atlanta Hawks, LaVine scored 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including four three-pointers. He attributed his recent shooting success to an increase in comfort level.
LaVine is averaging 22.3 points in 14 games this season, showing the form that led him to average more than 23 points per game for five consecutive seasons before last season’s injury-plagued campaign limited him to 25 games and a 19.5-point average.
LaVine eventually underwent season-ending foot surgery and faced more criticism than ever before. His frustration grew due to not being able to play, affecting his attitude.
Last month’s victory was Chicago’s fourth consecutive win over Memphis.
