The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up to face the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference’s first play-in matchup on Tuesday night, with a playoff spot on the line. Memphis finished as the No. 8 seed on the final day of the regular season, with Golden State finishing seventh after its loss to the LA Clippers.
Leading the charge for the Grizzlies will be star guard Ja Morant, who averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds this season while shooting 45.4% from the field. Morant and the Grizzlies defeated the Warriors in the Play-in tournament in 2021, but will be going against a different team led by a big three of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12)Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Despite off-court controversies—including a recent $75,000 fine from the NBA for inappropriate on-court gestures—Morant remains one of the league’s most electrifying and marketable talents.
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That popularity was underscored once again this week, the NBA announced Morant was among the league’s top-10 best-selling jerseys. He joins elite company on the list, which is led by Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, with Stephen Curry and LeBron James rounding out the top three.
Other notable names include Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (11th) and Phoenix Suns veteran Kevin Durant (13th), reflecting the ongoing dominance of the league’s biggest stars.
Now, Morant will look to back up his popularity with postseason success, as the Grizzlies aim to punch their ticket to the NBA Playoffs with a win over a Warriors squad desperate to win a championship this season.
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Related: Warriors’ Steve Kerr Announces Jimmy Butler News Before Grizzlies Game
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