Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is accessible to play on Monday in opposition to the Detroit Pistons. Morant was suspended for Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Toronto Raptors, forcing his first absence this season. Memphis misplaced 117-104, placing up its least productive offensive sport, falling to 3-4.
Why did Ja Morant get suspended?
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The Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant in opposition to the Raptors resulting from his heated post-game interview after Friday’s loss to the Lakers. Regardless of taking part in 31 minutes, the second-highest behind Jaren Jackson Jr. (32), Morant was upset with the teaching workers’s decision-making.
After reporters pressed him with questions relating to his and the workforce’s efficiency, Morant pressured them to talk to the coaches.
Here is what he mentioned:
“Go ask the teaching workers … go ask them, that they had a complete spiel in right here.”
He added:
“In response to them, do not play me, truthfully,” he mentioned. That is what mainly the message was after (the sport), so, it is cool.”
The Grizzlies issued a one-game suspension, citing “conduct detrimental to the workforce.” In the meantime, coach Tuomas Iisalo addressed the suspension earlier than Sunday’s sport, saying:
“The group made a transfer that aligns with our requirements,” he mentioned (through FanDuel Sports activities Community’s Rob Fischer).
“The remainder of the group, we’re totally centered on the Raptors right this moment. We look ahead to Ja rejoining the workforce and shifting on.”
Each side will try to assist the Grizzlies obtain collective success after a disappointing previous few seasons. Since making the convention semis in 2022, Morant and Co. have made the playoffs twice, however didn’t get previous the primary spherical. Final yr, Memphis completed eighth within the West standings.
The Grizzlies will hope Morant’s return in opposition to Detroit fuels a bounce-back efficiency. He had an underwhelming run in opposition to the LA Lakers on Friday with solely eight factors on 3 of 14 pictures, together with 0-for-6 from deep.
Ja Morant Stats vs. Detroit Pistons and Season Numbers
Morant has performed eight occasions in opposition to Detroit, averaging 21.3 factors, 4.5 rebounds and seven.8 assists on 46.0% capturing. He has a dominating 7-1 file in these matchups.
Nevertheless, he hasn’t confronted the Pistons since December 2022. They have been rebuilding then and are a playoff contender, heading into this sport with a 4-2 file. Detroit made the postseason final yr and pushed the Knicks to a seven-game sequence within the first spherical.
As of now, the Pistons are the higher workforce, because of All-Star Cade Cunningham’s 22.0 ppg and 9.8 apg season. Alternatively, Ja Morant is averaging 20.8 ppg and 6.7 apg, his lowest mark since his sophomore yr.
His duel with Cunningham will probably determine the end result.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
