Is Ja Morant Playing Tonight? That's the question on every Grizzlies fan's mind! After being sidelined since mid-November due to a calf strain, the team's star point guard, Ja Morant, is nearing a potential return. But will he play against the Utah Jazz tonight? Let's dive in.
Morant has been listed as questionable for Friday's game, which tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET. He's missed the last 10 games, ever since being forced out of a game on November 15th against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ja Morant's Injury Update
The good news? Morant's status is questionable due to a right calf strain. The fact that he participated in a full practice on Thursday, according to The Commercial Appeal, suggests he might be a game-time decision.
In the 12 games he's played this season, Morant has averaged 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. However, his shooting percentage is a concerning 35.9%.
Cedric Coward: A Rising Star?
If Morant sits out, keep an eye on Grizzlies G-F Cedric Coward. He's been making waves in his rookie season, stepping up in Morant's absence. In those 10 games without Morant, Coward is averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Coward's standout performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 5th, where he scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, further solidified his potential. He's reached double figures in 11 of his 15 games, including two 20-point games. Drafted as the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Coward's minutes have increased, and he's already started 11 games.
Cedric Coward Stats and Projections
Here are some popular player projections for Cedric Coward tonight, available on PrizePicks:
- 15.5 Points
- 7 Rebounds
- 26 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 22.5 Pts + Rebs
Making Your NBA Picks
Whether Morant plays or not, there are plenty of player projections to consider on PrizePicks. You can predict if a player will score More or Less on certain stats and potentially earn real money.
So, what do you think? Will Ja Morant return tonight? And what are your predictions for Cedric Coward's performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
