Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is dealing with a right calf strain suffered from a game on Nov. 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters on Dec. 4 that Morant is “day-to-day” going forward after making good progress.
Morant is listed as doubtful to play against the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 7 (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network) at FedExForum.
This is the first time Morant has been listed as anything other than out since suffering the injury. Even if he doesn’t play against the Blazers, Morant is likely to return for the Grizzlies’ next game on Dec. 12 against the Utah Jazz.
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. The Grizzlies also signed Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract on Nov. 24 to add guard depth. His deal has expired.
Williams has had multiple games of 15 or more assists since taking over for the injured Morant. He’s averaging 8.4 points and 7.9 assists in 10 starts.
Memphis (9-13) is 4-8 when Morant plays this season. The Grizzlies (10-13) are 6-5 without Morant.
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.