The Memphis Grizzlies will face a daunting challenge in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder without their star point guard, Ja Morant. Morant has been officially ruled out due to a left hip contusion sustained during Game 3, leaving the Grizzlies on the brink of elimination.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter of Game 3 when Morant collided with Thunder guard Luguentz Dort during a fast-break attempt. Morant fell hard on his left hip and was visibly in pain. He attempted to continue, missing two free throws, before exiting the game and later returning to the bench on crutches. At the time of his departure, the Grizzlies held a commanding 67-40 lead. However, without Morant, Memphis struggled offensively, scoring only 31 points in the second half and ultimately losing 114-108. The loss gave the Thunder a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Morant’s absence is a significant blow to the Grizzlies. In the series, he has averaged 18.3 points and 5.0 assists per game. During the regular season, he posted averages of 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. His leadership and playmaking abilities are integral to Memphis’s success.
This injury adds to Morant’s history of health setbacks. He played only 50 games in the 2024-25 regular season and appeared in just nine games the previous season due to a suspension and a torn labrum. Since being drafted second overall in 2019, Morant has missed 166 regular-season games.
The Grizzlies will now rely on players like Scotty Pippen Jr. and Desmond Bane to step up in Morant’s absence. Pippen Jr. and Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 28 and 22 points, respectively, in Game 3. However, overcoming a 3-0 series deficit is unprecedented in NBA history, making Game 4 a must-win to extend their season.
Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. CDT at the FedExForum in Memphis. The Grizzlies will need a collective effort to stave off elimination and keep their playoff hopes alive.
