In a surprising twist, Ja Morant has been cleared to play in the pivotal elimination game against the Dallas Mavericks despite sustaining a sprained right ankle earlier in the week. The Memphis Grizzlies announced his inclusion in the starting lineup just half an hour before tip-off, a decision that comes after an MRI and multiple pain-relieving injections to manage his discomfort.

Morant’s injury, which occurred when he landed awkwardly on Buddy Hield’s foot during a recent game against the Golden State Warriors, typically would see a player sidelined in the regular season. However, Morant demonstrated his competitive spirit, insisting on playing as he battles through significant soreness and swelling. His presence could be a game-changer for the Grizzlies as they look to extend their playoff run.

Ja Morant is set to make his return for the Memphis Grizzlies in the highly anticipated play-in game against the Dallas Mavericks. Following a right ankle sprain sustained during a loss to the Golden State Warriors, Morant has been cleared to participate, a significant boost for the Grizzlies.

Despite missing practice ahead of the game, Morant's recent performance has been stellar, averaging 29.5 points in March and 30.2 points in April. His presence on the court is crucial for Memphis as they hope to secure a playoff spot.

Ja Morant’s status remains uncertain ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies’ critical NBA Play-In game against the Dallas Mavericks. After suffering a right ankle injury late in the loss to the Golden State Warriors, Morant demonstrated resilience by returning for a late-game performance that included 22 points. Although there are concerns about his ankle, he expressed confidence in his ability to play, stating, "I'm playing. That's basically the answer I'm giving. It ain't nothing different." The Grizzlies' playoff hopes hinge on Morant's presence as they vie for the eighth seed in the Western Conference, emphasizing the significance of his health in this high-stakes matchup.

The Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies go head-to-head on Friday, a decisive matchup that will see the victor claim the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Memphis enters this battle as 6-point favorites, following their close loss to the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament. The Grizzlies, who posted a solid 48-34 record this season, have a slight edge over the Mavericks' 39-43. They have previously triumphed in three out of four encounters this season, although their last meeting saw Dallas claim a surprise victory.

Key players for both teams include Anthony Davis for the Mavericks and Ja Morant for the Grizzlies. The SportsLine Projection Model has identified intriguing prop bets focusing on these players, predicting Davis to fall short on his points + rebounds + assists line, while Morant is expected to exceed his target. The over/under for this exciting matchup is set at 220.5, offering additional betting opportunities for keen sports fans.