Memphis Grizzlies star unavailable vs Hawks

On By Littum

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will not play against the Atlanta Hawks, the team announced Saturday.

Morant is out due to back soreness. The point guard suffered the injury in the third quarter of Thursday’s win against the Golden State Warriors after a hard fall.

Morant collided with Warriors center Kevon Looney while jumping in the air trying to finish a layup. He was originally listed Friday as questionable against the Hawks.

Game time Saturday is 6:30pm at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Injuries have hampered Morant despite his strong play this season. The two-time All-Star has missed 11 of the Grizzlies’ 28 games. Memphis (19-9) has a 7-4 record without Morant.

Scotty Pippen Jr. is expected to take on a bigger role in Morant’s absence. Marcus Smart, questionable with shoulder soreness, could also play point guard.

Damichael Cole is the one Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.