Injury Roundup: Morant’s Ankle Scare, Clarke Nearing Comeback; Updates on Gafford, LaVine, Green
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The Memphis Grizzlies’ injury-marred season took another hit Monday night when point guard Ja Morant rolled his left ankle with 3:52 remaining in an 18-point road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters Morant had “tweaked” the ankle and would undergo further evaluation, adding he is hopeful the damage is not significant.
While Morant awaits imaging results, forward Brandon Clarke is close to returning from an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee performed in September. Clarke was upgraded to doubtful before Monday’s game but ultimately sat out; the team believes he could play as soon as Wednesday in Minnesota.
Mavericks Lean on Gafford
The Dallas Mavericks, already without center Dereck Lively II for the season, are counting on Daniel Gafford despite his own lingering right ankle sprain. Gafford missed three games, then logged only 13 minutes in Monday’s overtime loss while Dallas also played without Anthony Davis (left calf contusion). “I want to be out there,” Gafford said pregame, “but you have to listen to your body.”
LaVine’s Status Uncertain
Zach LaVine returned to the Sacramento Kings’ lineup Sunday after sitting Thursday with a thumb injury, but lasted just 16 minutes before spraining his left ankle at Minnesota. He briefly tested the ankle during halftime warmups, then limped to the locker room and was ruled out; his availability for upcoming games is unknown.
Suns Proceed Cautiously with Green
In Phoenix, head coach Jordan Ott said the Suns are “playing it safe” with Jalen Green, who re-injured his right hamstring in early November, two games into the season. Ott noted the guard has resumed on-court work and is “making really good progress,” with a return expected shortly after Christmas if his recovery continues.
Source: Hoops Rumors
