Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is close to a potential return to the lineup against the Utah Jazz.
The Grizzlies (11-13) play the Jazz (8-15) on Dec. 12 (7 p.m.) at FedExForum.
Morant, who has been dealing with a right calf strain suffered from a game on Nov. 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, was a full participant in a Grizzlies practice on Dec. 11.
“He was able to go through the whole practice today, which is very encouraging,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “Now we’ll see how his body responds to it, then we can make the decision.”
Iisalo told reporters on Dec. 4 that Morant was “day-to-day” going forward after making good progress.
Morant was listed as doubtful to play against the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 7. Memphis defeated the Blazers 119-96. The Grizzlies have won five of their last six overall.
Morant is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists in 12 games this season.
Morant’s absence is one of many that has decimated the Grizzlies’ point guard depth. Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Ty Jerome (calf) and Javon Small (toe) are all out with injuries. Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer have played in more primary playmaking roles without the point guards.
Getting Morant back would not only give Memphis its franchise player, but the Grizzlies should also receive a playmaking boost. While the team has improved drastically on defense, turnovers and quality offense have still been inconsistent.
“We’ve had a tough time against some of the teams that have been able to pressure,” Iisalo said. “There are a few of those teams. Ja is the perfect antidote for that because if you pressure him, he can get into the paint.”
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Memphis could be getting even more help. Small should be reevaluated in the next few days, and center Brandon Clarke is two weeks from the early mark on his 6-to-9 week return timeline the Grizzlies issued on Nov. 11.
Clarke has been during the media viewing portion of practice throwing down one-handed dunks off of two feet with authority. His athleticism and agility as a 6-foot-8 big man have been among his strengths.
“Both are progressing according to the timeline and making good progress,” Iisalo said. “They’re both in a good spot.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.