Ja Morant Suffers Freak Injury During NBA Preseason Game

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies took the court for their first preseason game of the 2024-25 NBA season on Monday night, facing off against the Dallas Mavericks.

Morant got off to a hot start, recording six points, three assists and three rebounds early.

Unfortunately, an injury during the first half forced the superstar point guard off the court and back into the locker room. He's since returned to the Grizzlies' bench, but is unlikely to return for anymore preseason action on Monday evening.

Morant suffered the apparent right ankle injury on a freak play. Dallas forward Naji Marshall attempted a bounce pass in transition as Morant sprinted back on defense. The ball collided with Morant's foot, causing his ankle to roll underneath him.

The two-time NBA All-Star yelled out in pain immediately following the injury.

Take a look at the play here:

This injury occurred just moments after Morant recorded an incredible highlight-reel block.

This is some brutal luck for Morant, who's just now returning from the shoulder injury that ended his 2023-24 NBA season. Hopefully this most recent injury issue isn't too serious.

Morant and the Grizzlies will begin their 2024-25 regular season with a game against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 23.

UPDATE: Morant returned to the game in the second half, but appeared to re-aggravate his ankle injury while landing after a dunk. He limped back to the locker room for the second time on Monday night.