Is Ja Morant Playing Tonight Against Detroit Pistons? Latest On Grizzlies Guard's Return From Suspension (Nov. 3)

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is available to play on Monday against the Detroit Pistons. Morant was suspended for Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors, forcing his first absence this season. Memphis lost 117-104, putting up its least productive offensive game, falling to 3-4.

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Why did Ja Morant get suspended?

The Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant against the Raptors due to his heated post-game interview after Friday's loss to the Lakers. Despite playing 31 minutes, the second-highest behind Jaren Jackson Jr. (32), Morant was upset with the coaching staff's decision-making.

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After reporters pressed him with questions regarding his and the team's performance, Morant forced them to speak to the coaches.

Here's what he said:

"Go ask the coaching staff ... go ask them, they had a whole spiel in here."

He added:

"According to them, don't play me, honestly," he said. That's what basically the message was after (the game), so, it's cool."

The Grizzlies issued a one-game suspension, citing "conduct detrimental to the team." Meanwhile, coach Tuomas Iisalo addressed the suspension before Sunday's game, saying:

"The organization made a move that aligns with our standards," he said (via FanDuel Sports Network's Rob Fischer). "The rest of the group, we're fully focused on the Raptors today. We look forward to Ja rejoining the team and moving on."

Both sides will attempt to help the Grizzlies achieve collective success after a disappointing past few seasons. Since making the conference semis in 2022, Morant and Co. have made the playoffs twice, but failed to get past the first round. Last year, Memphis finished eighth in the West standings.

The Grizzlies will hope Morant's return against Detroit fuels a bounce-back performance. He had an underwhelming run against the LA Lakers on Friday with only eight points on 3 of 14 shots, including 0-for-6 from deep.

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Ja Morant Stats vs. Detroit Pistons and Season Numbers

Morant has played eight times against Detroit, averaging 21.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists on 46.0% shooting. He has a dominating 7-1 record in those matchups.

However, he hasn't faced the Pistons since December 2022. They were rebuilding then and are a playoff contender, heading into this game with a 4-2 record. Detroit made the postseason last year and pushed the Knicks to a seven-game series in the first round.

As of now, the Pistons are the better team, thanks to All-Star Cade Cunningham's 22.0 ppg and 9.8 apg season. On the other hand, Ja Morant is averaging 20.8 ppg and 6.7 apg, his lowest mark since his sophomore year.

His duel with Cunningham will likely decide the outcome.

Edited by Arhaan Raje