Star guard Ja Morant has missed six consecutive games for the Memphis Grizzlies due to a hamstring injury, and it is clear that they are feeling his absence. Without Morant during this stretch, the Grizzlies went 2-4 and now own the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. With just a couple of weeks left in the season, it is crucial for the Grizzlies that they get back on track and gain momentum heading into the playoffs.
The Grizzlies will have their next chance to turn things around when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Memphis and Los Angeles both own a 44-29 record, meaning that this game will have major seeding implications.
Ahead of this crucial matchup, the Grizzlies provided a major announcement regarding Morant that could make a big impact in the game. He has been out of action since the middle of March, but he has been upgraded to questionable ahead of the Grizzlies' game against the Lakers.
A questionable upgrade indicates Morant could return, which is huge news for Memphis, and potentially the Western Conference standings.
The Grizzlies and Lakers are both dangerous teams in the league when healthy, and they could each be in line for a deep playoff run. However, chances are that only one of them will earn homecourt advantage in the first round, and the winner of this game will get a huge boost late in the season.
Morant's injury status remains one to monitor, but as it stands, it seems likely he will make his return soon.
