Is Ja Morant playing in Game 3 against the Lakers? Injury update

The Los Angeles Lakers had the chance of taking a big step forward to the next playoff round when they last faced the Memphis Grizzlies without their star Ja Morant but didn’t take advantage of that fact and ended up losing (103-93).

Tyus Jones and Xavier Tillman led Memphis to the victory with an outstanding performance, while Dillon Brooks did his part by talking and distracting Lebron James.

Morant was sidelined due to a re-aggravated right-hand bone bruise when he drove to the basket against Anthony Davis in Game 1, with his right hand bending in the wrong direction as he hit the court.

After undergoing MRI on Monday, Morant’s chances of returning for Game 2 were remote, and the franchise even thought about the possibility of seeing the point guard miss the whole series.

Will Ja Morant play in Game 3?

While pessimism dominated the Grizzlies in the series earlier this week, it seems the situation may change quite a bit.

As reported by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Morant was a full participant in Friday’s practice, so the controversial player will likely be a game-time decision for Saturday’s game.

Meanwhile, coach Taylor Jenkins said that Morant had an individual sesión where he was able to shoot and dribble and also participated in a non-contact team practice.

In case Morant ended up playing, it’s a sure thing he won’t be at his best, but he could help his teammates for a while. That could also have a positive effect not just on Morant himself, but also on the team, who are aware that they are stronger with the All-Star.

In any case, Morant’s doubtful status shouldn’t make Taylor Jenkins’ men panic. The player may need to miss another game to come back stronger and taking into consideration that the Grizzlies were able to defeat the Lakers without him and that the series is tied 1-1, there’s still a margin to fight to get to the next playoff round.