The NBA season has unofficially begun, as the Memphis Grizzlies have completed their first of five preseason games, losing to the Detroit Pistons at home on October 6th. Ja Morant was notably missing following an ankle sprain he suffered during a practice on October 5th, and it will keep him out on a week-to-week basis.
The general feeling is that Morant is only sitting out because it is the preseason, meaning he will likely return in time for the Grizzlies' regular season opening against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 22nd. The team's performance in their first preseason game showed how important it is for Morant to be available if the team wants to compete with the NBA's best teams.