Memphis Grizzlies update Ja Morant's injury status ahead of Game 2 vs. L.A. Lakers

Ja Morant casually shot floaters and hook shots with his left hand during the media viewing portion of Memphis Grizzlies practice Tuesday. The Grizzlies then wrapped Morant's hand, but he did not use his injured right hand during that period.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant will be a game-time decision on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers (6:30 p.m., TNT) due to a soft tissue bruise in his right hand.

Morant left Sunday's Game 1 loss against the Lakers with five minutes, 48 seconds left after injuring right hand while attempting to brace his fall. This is the same hand that Morant had taped after dealing with soreness from a previous incident against the Milwaukee Bucks a week earlier. Jenkins said Morant reaggravated the injury during the fall against the Lakers.

"Symptoms are slightly improving from the other night," Jenkins said. "He's going to be a gametime decision. He's going to come in, get work in the morning, test it out and see how he's feeling."

Initial X-rays were negative, but Morant described his pain as a "10" when he was in the locker room after Sunday's loss.

Even though he didn't use his right hand during the media viewing portion of practice, Jenkins said that Morant was able to dribble and shoot with his injured hand on Tuesday morning for the first time.

"He's got some stiffness in his hand that he's slowly getting through, but we'll see how he wakes up tomorrow," Jenkins said. "It wasn't his normal self, so obviously he's navigating that right now, so it's a step in the right process."

If Morant is unable to play, Tyus Jones will assume starting point guard duties. In his time as a starter this season, Jones led Memphis to a 13-9 record. While he lacks Morant's explosiveness and scoring ability, Jones has led the NBA in assists to turnover ratio the past five seasons.

Desmond Bane would play the backup point guard role. He's thrived this season as a secondary facilitator. Bane's assists averaged jumped from 2.7 last season to 4.4 in his third year.

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Is Ja Morant playing tonight in Grizzlies-Lakers? Injury status update