MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Ja Morant Listed As Game-Time Decision For Game 2

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Ja Morant is trending in the right direction to rejoin his team for Game 2. The Memphis star exited Game 1 of the series with the Los Angeles Lakers for a hand injury. Morant’s absence was abundantly clear as the Lakers rolled to a 128-112 victory. Now, the Grizzlies are hoping that their star guard will be available when the teams meet in Game 2 on Wednesday. However, the team doesn’t want to make a ruling on Morant until the last possible moment.

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies still believe Morant will be available. “I do not sense a great deal of optimism around this Grizzlies team that Ja Morant will be ready to play in Game 2 [vs. Lakers] but they’ve not ruled him out, they’re going to take it up until tomorrow,” Woj commented during his appearance on NBA on ESPN. The Grizzlies will need all the help they can get. As the Lakers continue to improve game by game.

Ja Morant Will Need To Lead Grizzlies Over Lakers

The Western Conference has so many storylines involving the matchups. However, the biggest may be the new guard against the old. The Lakers and Warriors are underdogs to the Grizzlies and Kings. The clashing of generations has made for incredible action. But the Lakers are not ready to be put in the retirement home. The Grizzlies not having Morant will even give the Lakers more confidence as they look to avoid being sent home in the first round.

Ja Morant’s presence alone is a big factor for the Grizzlies. In the video above, you can see that Morant is all smiles as the team takes the floor. However, you can also see that Morant’s hand is being heavily wrapped. Although it would be impossible for Morant to play with his hand that protected. However, something tells me the Grizzlies star will do whatever it takes to be on the floor Wednesday night. Do you think Morant will be available for the pivotal Game 2 matchup? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Ja Morant Injury Update

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Ja Morant looked to suffer a very serious injury in the Grizzlies loss to Los Angeles on Sunday. The injury derailed any chance the Grizzlies had at making a comeback on the Lakers. Now it looks like the team could be without Morant for a pivotal Game 2. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski went on NBA on ESPN Monday to discuss Morant’s availability for Game 2. Woj stated there is significant doubt that the Grizzlies will be without their biggest star.

Losing Morant will be a fatal blow to any Grizzlies playoff run. The team is already dealing with injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Losing Morant could all but be the end of the Grizzlies season. Memphis has had a phenomenal season, with Morant leading the charge. One has to think Morant will give it everything he has to return this series. However, the organization also has to look at the future of the franchise in regard to Morant’s injury.

Ja Morant’s Absence Could Spell The End Of Memphis

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the Lakers have been one of the trendy teams heading into the playoffs. The Lakers are finally healthy enough to put the rest of the Western Conference on notice. But even the Lakers are weary of future injuries. Lakers star Anthony Davis injured his arm on Sunday. The injury had Davis telling the Lakers medical staff that he couldn’t feel his arms. However, Davis returned to the lineup and delivered for his team when he needed it the most. But the fear still remains if the Lakers can stay healthy.

The city of Memphis will be on round-the-clock surveillance on any news regarding Morant’s injury. But the Grizzlies will have to begin focusing on trying to even the series with the Lakers. Memphis may even need to think about how they will go about the series without Morant. Morant’s loss will shake up the entire playoff picture. But that’s not the Lakers problem. Can the Grizzlies defeat the Lakers without Ja Morant? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Jaren Jackson Jr. Named 2023 NBA Defensive Player Of The Year

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The NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023 season is none other than Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. Moreover, this marks the first award given out for the basketball league for this year, handed out on Monday night (April 17). Furthermore, Jackson Jr. earned the award with 56 first place votes over Brook Lopez and Evan Mobley, who were also finalists. The 23-year-old led the league with 3.0 blocks per game, 1.0 steals, and a 9.6 percent block rate. Also, Jackson Jr. was near the top of most advanced metrics, earning a top 10 spot in many categories.

To elaborate, these were in Defensive Box Plus/Minus, Defensive Win Shares, and Defensive Rating, according to Basketball-Reference. All in all, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s work to secure the ball for his team contributed to a fantastic season for the Memphis Grizzlies. In fact, they ended up being the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference behind the Denver Nuggets. While his work was certainly impressive, cases for each finalist were hotly contested. For example, the strongest knock against the New Jersey native was his number of games played, with both Lopez and Mobley playing more often.

Jaren Jackson Jr. Becomes The NBA’s Defensive Player Of The Year

However, that didn’t stop voters from siding with Jaren Jackson Jr. and his defensive prowess. All that’s left now is to see how far along the Memphis Grizzlies will go in the 2023 playoffs. Recently, they lost their opening first round game against the Los Angeles Lakers 128 to 118. Jackson Jr. scored 31 points, five rebounds, two blocks, four assists, and one steal. That series should make for one of the more exciting in the Western Conference, especially considering the team’s recent extracurricular developments.

Meanwhile, there are others in the NBA world who think the series is already over. “This series is over,” Stephen A. Smith remarked after Ja Morant’s hand injury. “As far as I’m concerned, the Lakers are winning this series. I think it’s done.” Perhaps the Grizzlies and the Defensive Player of the Year will be able to turn the odds in their favor. For updates on that and more news on Jaren Jackson Jr., come back to HNHH.

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Stephen A. Smith Claims Grizzlies-Lakers Series Is Over

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Stephen A. Smith is ready to throw the towel in for the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies lost game one of their series with the Lakers on Sunday night. However, that wasn’t the only loss the team suffered on Sunday. Grizzlies star Ja Morant suffered what appeared to be a hand injury in the loss. Without Morant, the Grizzlies dreams of an NBA championship will vanish. But Smith believes those dreams are already over, given the pain Morant is in.

The Lakers were already a popular pick with the media. Now, adding another injury to the Grizzlies will all but put them in an impossible situation. This is what Smith had to say about the series, given Morant’s injury. “This series is over. As far as I’m concerned, the Lakers are winning this series. I think it’s done.” Morant is the focal point of the Memphis team. Losing him will absolutely change just how far the Grizzlies will go. However, Morant will more than likely play through the pain to fight with his team.

Stephen A. Smith Has Lost All Faith In Grizzlies

But playing through a serious injury will do more harm than good. Of course, the organization will put its future ahead of seeking current success. Many teams have had to closely monitor their star players. Including the Lakers, who have seen Anthony Davis deal with an injury in Sunday’s game. Now it seems as if the road to the second round is wide open for the Lakers to take. However, Los Angeles will need to stay healthy along the way as well. A fact that Smith discussed as well during Monday’s edition of First Take.

Game two of the series will not be played until Wednesday. So, Morant will have some time to rest in between games. However, it won’t be enough if the pain level is as severe as Morant claimed on Sunday. Smith, like many, has given up on the Grizzlies. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on the Grizzlies season being over? Or can they band together to beat a streaking Lakers team? Sound off in the comments with your thoughts on the series. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Ja Morant Sues Accuser

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Ja Morant will be taking legal action against the accuser, alleging assault against him. Morant was accused of assault by a high school student last summer. The student claims Morant assaulted him over an argument that broke out during a pick-up game of basketball. Morant now claims that the student is lying about what really happened during the alleged confrontation. The Grizzlies star is now claiming he was the victim of being threatened during the incident.

In court documents obtained by TMZ Sports, “Morant acknowledged getting into a tiff with H.S. basketball star Joshua Holloway during the July 26 game at his home in Memphis, but says Holloway was the aggressor in the situation.” Morant also claims that Holloway threatened him with an act of gun violence. Including that others at the scene also heard this alleged threat. This past year Morant has been in the news for a couple of unsettling headlines. The star guard has had his life thrown into the public eye.

Ja Morant Seeking Truth In Assault Case

Earlier this year, Morant was suspended by the NBA after the Memphis star shared a photo of himself brandishing a gun at an adult entertainment establishment. Morant was seen holding the weapon in a since-deleted Instagram story. Following that incident, photos were released showing Morant’s appearance inside the Denver nightclub. In the time after the incident, Morant has discussed how he is trying to change the way he conducts his life off the court. Morant has even taken part in public interviews to discuss his image and the understanding of his actions off the court.

Morant doesn’t want to be remembered as someone whose off-the-court troubles plagued his career. However, it seems Morant’s alleged assault issues are from over. But Morant will have a lot on his plate during this time. As the Grizzlies will begin their playoff season this weekend with the Los Angeles Lakers. The truth will soon be released on the incident regarding Ja Morant last summer. But for now, the story is far from over. For the latest news regarding this legal issue with Morant, keep it right here at HNHH.

Ja Morant Victim Tells His Story In Police Body Cam

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Ja Morant’s victim has finally had their story told. The body cam footage of the 17-year-old has been released. The video shows the teenager explaining to an officer just what happened between him and Morant. According to the victim, the issue began during a pick-up game of basketball. The victim claims that Morant got in his face and struck him shortly after. After the strike, that is when the victim claims Morant and his friends just began beating him.

This isn’t the only legal issue Morant has had to battle this calendar year. Earlier this year, Morant posted a photo of himself brandishing a weapon inside an adult entertainment club. Morant made the post on his public Instagram stories. Which was quickly deleted. The Grizzlies star was soon suspended shortly after for his actions from the weapon incident. After the weapon incident, Morant did a sit-down interview with Jalen Rose. In the interview, fans saw a vulnerable Morant speak on his recent activity. Since then, Morant has stayed rather quiet in a chance to rebuild his image to the media.

Ja Morant Allegedly Assaults Minor

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum on April 04, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Morant’s actions off the court have stirred up many to take a stance. Many believe his multiple troubles should have resulted in more action being taken by the league. Although his issues off the court are serious, Morant hasn’t dipped in his performance on the court. The Grizzlies earned the second seed in the Western Conference. The team will face the winner of the 7-8 matchup in the play-in tournament. The participants in that game will be the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.

After the release of this footage, it seems Ja Morant has a long road ahead. While there could be more to the story. Striking a minor is never okay and shouldn’t be tolerated. The NBA will definitely look into this new information that has been dropped to the public. Consequently, Morant’s involvement in this year’s playoffs could even be in jeopardy. Do you believe the NBA should take immediate action to the release of this footage? Let us know your thoughts on the issue in the comment section below. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Receives Injury Update

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Ja Morant doesn’t want to push it as the Memphis Grizzlies close out the regular season. As the Grizzlies finish up back-to-back on Wednesday, Morant will unlikely play. The Grizzlies cruised to a 119-109 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Now it seems the team will not take any chances with their biggest superstar. Memphis has basically wrapped up the two seed in the Western Conference. This could be the reason for Morant’s apparent absence from Wednesday’s matchup with the Pelicans.

Morant has been the leader of the basketball renaissance in Memphis. The Grizzlies are a young and hungry team looking to turn heads in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. However, many in the league believe the Grizzlies are too brash about their talents. A lot has been said about Morant’s louder teammate Dillon Brooks. Brooks has slowly become one of the most synonymous trash talkers in the league. The 2022-23 season has been no picnic for Morant either.

Ja Morant To Sit Out Of Wednesday’s Matchup With The Pelicans

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum on April 04, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Ja Morant’s season has been flooded with controversy. The Memphis guard was seen in a since-deleted Instagram post brandishing a firearm inside an adult entertainment establishment. The incident led to a suspension and time for Morant to understand that his actions do have consequences. Since the incident, Morant has realized that his impact on the basketball community is much larger than he expected. The Grizzlies superstar has since apologized for the incident.

There have been many reports on teams resting superstars recently. With some teams thinking about rest due to not being in the playoff hunt. While others seem to be searching for rest before making their quest to the NBA Finals. Resting before the playoffs seems like the case with Morant. However, rest isn’t always in the best interest of a team heading to the playoffs. Just ask the Lakers about rest. For the latest updates on the biggest NBA news, stay locked in here at HNHH.

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Lil Baby Recites Ja Morant’s Favorite NBA YoungBoy Lyric

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Lil Baby is a massive basketball fan, and as someone who spends a lot of time in Atlanta, you can imagine he goes to quite a few Hawks games. Overall, there are plenty of celebrities who pop out at Hawks matches, and for good reason. With Trae Young on the roster, the team is actually quite entertaining to watch. Moreover, the team is always hosting some of the best teams around the league. For instance, on Sunday night, the Hawks went up against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.

As we already reported, Lil Baby was front and center for this matchup. Overall, he was treated to a great show. Although, it was the Grizzlies who came out victorious thanks to an incredible effort from none other than Ja Morant. After the game, Morant got to link up with Baby. Additionally, Morant decided to gift the rapper his jersey. He even signed the back of it, which makes the uniform that much more valuable. However, we are pretty sure Lil Baby isn’t the type to immediately take memorabilia to eBay.

Lil Baby x Ja Morant

In the clips up above, you can see that they had a very jovial interaction. Moreover, Lil Baby even recited Morant’s favorite NBA YoungBoy lyrics. Of course, the Grizzlies star is always saying “it’s a parade inside my city, yeah” after big wins. The phrase has even been scrutinized by Skip Bayless, who is subsequently being clowned for the way he says it. Ultimately, it was a fun night for both of these men who seem to be at the top of their respective fields right now.

When it comes to Morant, he and the Memphis Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference. They want to make a deep run in the playoffs, and they are certainly in a good position to do so. Whether or not they will be able to execute their plans, completely depends on Morant and their young core. Either way, it is going to be very fun to watch. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

Ja Morant Receives Massive Standing Ovation

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Ja Morant is someone who has been watched closely by fans and the league as of late. Overall, this is due to the fact that he was engaging in some significant off-court antics. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when Morant decided to flash a gun on Instagram Live. Subsequently, he was suspended eight games by the NBA, without pay. However, he is now back with the Memphis Grizzlies, and on Wednesday night, he played his first game since being suspended.

This matchup took place against the Houston Rockets, who are easily one of the worst teams in the entire NBA. It proved to be a fruitful game for the Grizzlies who managed to win by a score of 130-125. Moreover, the team had Morant coming off of the bench. Head coach Taylor Jenkins was looking to ease him back into things, and Ja did not disappoint. He had 17 points in 24 minutes and even came through with a poster dunk. As for how he was received by fans, it’s clear that Memphis still loves him.

Ja Morant Welcomed Back With Open Arms

In the video clip above, obtained by TMZ, you can see Morant receiving a standing ovation from all of the fans in Memphis. This standing ovation took place as Morant was checking into the game for the very first time. Overall, it was an amazing sight to see as every single fan got up on their feet. Despite everything that has happened, Memphis still has all of the love in the world for Morant. The fans understand he made a mistake and that he is improving every day. Furthermore, he is the key to this franchise winning its first-ever championship.

The Grizzlies currently sit in second place in the Western Conference standings. This is a great place to be, especially since their first round would be against a play-in team. Subsequently, they could very well see the Warriors again in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Needless to say, this would be a playoff run full of familiar faces. Let us know what you thought of Ja Morant’s return to the court, in the comments down below.

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Tee Morant Supports His Son With Special “Redemption” Hoodie

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Tee Morant has been subjected to a lot of criticism as of late. Overall, this has been due to his son Ja’s actions. As we all know by now, Ja flashed a gun on Instagram Live which eventually led to his suspension from the league. Moreover, people began to point the finger at Tee, claiming that he should step up and be more of a father. These criticisms were a bit of an overreach as no one actually knows the dynamics of Tee and Ja’s relationship. However, the internet loves to talk, and that is precisely what we saw in this particular instance.

Last night, Ja Morant was able to make his grand comeback. His eight-game suspension expired on Monday, and the Grizzlies were slowly bringing him back to the lineup. Wednesday night proved to be a fruitful one for the Grizzlies as they defeated the Houston Rockets. Furthermore, Morant was able to have a solid game coming off the bench. He dropped a total of 17 points in just 24 minutes, including a beautiful poster dunk. Additionally, Tee Morant was in the building and he was definitely making a statement with his clothing.

Tee Morant Back In The Stands

In the Twitter post up above, you can see that Tee was wearing a hoodie that read “Redemption.” The shirt also depicted Ja Morant dapping up Tee courtside. Overall, it was a nice message that showcases what Ja is trying to accomplish right now. In many ways, he feels as though he has let down the franchise and the fanbase. Although, he is now being given a chance to redeem himself. This is especially true now that the playoffs are here.

As it stands, the Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference. If the playoffs were to begin today, then the team would end up playing the Minnesota Timberwolves, who they played against last year. The Grizzlies have consistently been great this season, and there will be huge expectations in the postseason. Let us know what you thought of Ja Morant’s return, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.