NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Pelicans, Dejounte Murray, Rockets

Grizzlies

Ja Morant‘s right foot soreness has kept him out for the Grizzlies’ Friday night matchup in San Antonio, and with this being the 18th game he has missed this season, Morant is no longer eligible for major end-of-season awards.Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA

Memphis’ star point guard has has served as a usual crucial piece, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds, helping keep the Grizzlies in third place in the Western Conference.

However, with the 65-game minimum to qualify for awards like All-NBA, Morant will fall short, meaning his pursuit of a second All-NBA nod is officially on hold.

After a turbulent 2023 that included a suspension and a season-ending shoulder injury, Morant’s injury woes continue to plague his award aspirations, but the Grizzlies remain hopeful he can help push them deep into the postseason.

Pelicans

Dejounte Murray’s 30-point performance in Wednesday’s victory over Dallas was a reminder of the talent the Pelicans traded for this past offseason, wrote Rod Walker of NOLA.com.

New Orleans gave up a pair of first-round picks, former lottery pick Dyson Daniels, and rotation big man Larry Nance Jr. to acquire Murray, who had been dealing with his own frustrations after missing time with a broken hand early in the season.

The Pelicans had a rough start, sitting at 4-14 by the time Murray returned, but the dynamic guard is finding his rhythm now.

Despite the adversity, Murray is working through the mental challenges, acknowledging how difficult this season has been.

“I’m trying to get my fun back,” he said. “It’s been tough for me. I’m a strong person, but at the same time I’m human.”

Rockets

The Rockets got a much-needed boost on Thursday as forward Tari Eason made his return after missing 13 games with a lower left leg injury.

Coach Ime Udoka had Eason on a minutes restriction, but the forward was effective in his return, playing 24 minutes and contributing 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting.

The Rockets are still developing and looking for their footing, and Eason’s return should help add some depth and versatility to their frontcourt.

  • In other news, the Rockets’ front office continues to explore trade options ahead of the deadline, per Kelly Iko and John Holliunger of The Athletic. While Jimmy Butler likely doesn’t make sense for Houston, given his fit and the team’s current direction, there’s more intrigue around possible moves for expiring contracts.
  • Malcolm Brogdon and Chris Boucher are names to watch as potential trade targets, as the Rockets look to add veteran pieces to complement their young core. With the deadline looming, Houston could be active, but they aren’t expected to make any drastic moves unless a significant opportunity arises.

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