Southwest Injury Roundup: Morant Leaves Early, Edey Makes Season Debut, Finney-Smith Still Sidelined, Davis Doubtful
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CLEVELAND — Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant departed Saturday night’s game against the Cavaliers with soreness in his right calf and did not return.
The guard exited midway through the first quarter after logging six minutes, seven points and two assists. He had missed Wednesday’s contest in Boston with an ankle issue. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said he doesn’t know what play caused the latest injury; Morant will undergo additional tests, including a likely MRI, once the team is back in Memphis.
The already thin Grizzlies backcourt took another scare when Vince Williams Jr., who assumed ball-handling duties following Morant’s exit, rolled an ankle late in the first half. Williams returned, but fellow point guards Ty Jerome (right calf strain) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe surgery) remain out.
Grizzlies debut for Zach Edey
Rookie center Zach Edey saw his first action of the season after June ankle surgery, playing nearly 25 minutes and finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. “My legs felt better than I expected,” Edey said. Iisalo praised a new starting five that included Edey and fellow rookie Cedric Coward, citing improved length, defense and physicality despite the loss.
Houston’s Finney-Smith not close
The Houston Rockets, already without forward Tari Eason for four-to-six weeks because of an oblique strain, are unlikely to get help soon from free-agent signee Dorian Finney-Smith. The veteran is still rehabilitating from offseason surgery on his left ankle and has yet to be cleared for contact drills.
Mavericks list Davis as doubtful
The Dallas Mavericks have downgraded Anthony Davis to doubtful for Sunday’s matchup with Portland. The forward has missed eight straight games with a left calf strain and had been listed as questionable in recent days. Rookie Cooper Flagg has already surpassed Davis in career minutes with Dallas.
Source: Hoops Rumors
