Grizzlies Proceed Cautiously With Ja Morant

Coach Tuomas Iisalo said the Grizzlies’ offense won’t be a single-action, two-man-game and that the team will proceed cautiously with Ja Morant for the season opener. Morant, who missed all five preseason games after spraining his left ankle on Oct. 5, has progressed in the last two weeks and has been cleared and is expected to play Wednesday’s opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, though he is not yet at full conditioning. Memphis plans to manage his minutes and recovery while still leaning on him early because Scotty Pippen is sidelined with a toe injury and there are other roster absences. The franchise remains mindful of Morant’s recent injury history but is hopeful he can be available to lead the team this season.