Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is apparently questionable for Game 2 of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers after suffering a hand injury in Game 1 on Sunday.
Morant left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter after landing hard on his right hand following a collision with Lakers big man Anthony Davis while going for a layup.
The fourth-year guard rushed to the locker room and though he returned to the team's bench near the end of the game, he was wearing a black pad and was unable to check back in.
After the game, Morant said that his status is "in jeopardy" and, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, he was struggling to use his right hand to undo a balled-up pair of socks.
“[It is] tough, man, especially with everything I've been through pretty much this season," said Morant. "My main focus was to be out there for my guys. It’s another incident where that's pretty much in jeopardy.”
Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said in his post-game availability that x-rays on Morant's hand and wrist were negative. However, he will be evaluated by team doctors over the next two days leading up to Game 2 of the series on Wednesday.
"I'm in a good bit of pain," Morant said, adding that his pain level at that point was a "10" but that there was still a chance he plays their next outing.
"He's in some pain," said Jenkins in his post-game availability.
Morant played Sunday's outing with a wrapped-up right hand. Jenkins said during his pre-game availability that the guard was dealing with a contusion. He was listed as inactive with a hand injury for the Grizzlies' last game of the season on April 9.
Morant's been dealing with injuries throughout the year, from ankle issues earlier in the season to a thigh injury in early January. He also missed nine games in March for disciplinary reasons. In total, the guard missed 21 games this season.
"Feels like it's one thing after another" Morant said following the 128-112 loss.
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