As the Grizzlies welcome the Bulls, the former hopes home-court advantage will help them navigate tonight’s matchup. It was already a rather long injury report that Memphis updated via X. And now, 2 more names have joined the list ahead of the game – Ja Morant and John Konchar. Notably, the pair initially had a ‘Questionable’ tag on them.

However, per the Grizzlies PR account on X, “Status Update: Ja Morant and John Konchar are out tonight vs @chicagobulls.” Morant with right thigh soreness and Konchar with left foot soreness will be sidelined. Luke Kennard is also ruled out, citing a similar foot soreness issue.

Per Taylor Jenkins, Morant’s thigh soreness began after Friday’s 108-128 loss to the Rockets. Ja was also questionable before the Magic game but ended up playing, making team history with his 60th career point-assist double-double (16-10) en route to a dominant 124-111 victory.

But the same luck did not follow Memphis tonight, as Morant missed his first game of the season. However, it still doesn’t take away from the fact that the Grizzlies are considered one of the top seeds in the West with the return of none other than Ja Morant.

Injuries and suspensions have been the 25-year-old’s Achilles heel last year. While the latter was completely his fault, injuries were something the hooper had no control over. And while the thigh soreness seems to be not too serious of an injury, given he suited up against Orlando, the Memphis side has no plans of risking it all so early in the season considering they lost their star point guard to a season-ending shoulder injury after just nine games last season.

How has Ja Morant performed since returning from his long NBA hiatus?

It certainly was a hiatus for the 2x All-Star and all the beloved fans, but when the hooper returned to the court, there was none of that rust from being away for so long. In fact, his average of 20.7 points on 46.3% shooting in three games has already provided hope for everyone that a healthy Ja Morant equals at least a top-eight seed for Memphis.

Talking about his return after the season-opening win over the Jazz, Morant said, “I was just excited to be back out there. These guys trust and believe in me every time I’m out there on the floor, so it’s only right I go out there and play free.”

And play free, he did! Ja’s efforts on both offense and defense were key in helping the Grizz hold off Utah’s fourth-quarter surge. He stepped up with clutch baskets and assists whenever Memphis needed a response. And on defense, Morant stayed active, breaking up plays to keep the Jazz from gaining lasting momentum. His all-around play kept his team in control down the stretch.

Although the Grizzlies had mixed results so far, Morant’s agility and shot-making were on display. Furthermore, he consistently attacked the basket, showcasing his form despite the extended absence. With Ja Morant back on the floor and playing at a high level, there’s real hope that he can lead the Grizzlies to a strong playoff position. His agility, confidence, and shot-making are clear, and the hooper’s shown that he’s ready to step up when it counts.

Keep checking this space to catch Ja Morant in action as he aims to push Memphis back into the postseason race.