The Grizzlies have endured a sordid run through the NBA playoffs thus far, dropping each of their first three matchups in their series against the Thunder — all in increasingly dramatic fashion.
Their latest defeat was undoubtedly the most heart-wrenching. Led by Ja Morant, Memphis opened up a 27-point gulf over its hulking adversary.
But late in the second frame, Morant was felled by a hip injury after landing awkwardly on his side following a collision with Lu Dort.
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Here’s the latest on Morant’s injury, as well as a potential timeline for his return.
How long is Ja Morant out?
Morant exited Thursday’s contest after crashing to the floor with 3:15 left in the second quarter.
With Memphis leading 67-40, Morant connected with a pass from Scotty Pippen Jr. and attempted to take flight on a trailing Dort. The Memphis high-flyer was summarily cut down by his opposite number, who fouled Morant as he went up for the finish.
Ja Morant goes down after a hard fall.
He has left to the locker room. Hope he is okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Q5AWZQQlAz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 25, 2025
Morant landed hard on his hip and writhed in pain as medical personnel streamed onto the floor to tend to his wounds. After sinking his free throw, he disappeared into the locker room. He would not return, being spotted on crutches in the tunnel by Memphis’ bench as its lead dissipated in the fourth quarter.
Grizzlies interim boss Tuomas Iisalo said Morant’s status for Saturday’s Game 4 — a potential elimination matchup — is uncertain.
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“He’s going through further evaluations tomorrow,” Iisalo said. “Then we’ll know more.”
The nature of Morant’s injury remains to be seen. Friday’s tests should offer a window into just how long Morant’s absence could last.
Morant finished Thursday’s game with 15 points and five assists.
Memphis and Oklahoma City next face off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on TNT.
Grizzlies playoffs schedule
Below is a look at Milwaukee’s first-round schedule against the Pacers. If the Bucks advance to the second round, they’d face either Cleveland or Miami, the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed.
| Date | Matchup/Final | Time (ET) |
| Sunday, April 20 | Thunder 131, Grizzlies 80 | — |
| Tuesday, April 22 | Thunder 118, Grizzlies 99 | — |
| Thursday, April 24 | Thunder 114, Grizzlies 108 | — |
| Saturday, April 26 | vs. Thunder (Game 4) | 3:30 p.m. |
| Monday, April 28 | at Thunder (Game 5)* | TBD |
| Thursday, May 1 | vs. Thunder (Game 6)* | TBD |
| Saturday, May 3 | at Thunder (Game 7)* | TBD |
*If necessary
