Charania also noted that if this was a regular season game, Morant likely wouldn’t be playing. It is a “severe” ankle sprain, though he has never wavered from his stance that he will play against Dallas. The injection should help ease the pain, but it also establishes just how severe the injury is. Still, in an elimination game, Morant will play as much as he needs to in order to get Memphis to the playoffs.

Morant told reporters after Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors that he expects to play Friday. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old point guard missed practice Thursday and is officially listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. While it’s hard to envision Morant sitting out a game of importance like Friday’s, his ankle is clearly bothering him. If Morant is out, Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard will be in line for extra minutes with Kennard potentially moving into the starting lineup.

Morant finished out Tuesday’s game against the Warriors after injuring his ankle during overtime and said after the game that he will play on Friday. It’s difficult to imagine him not suiting up for a win-or-go-home game, but the ankle is clearly bothering him quite a bit, which could impact his performance on the court. If something changes, Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard will take on extra minutes, with Kennard potentially replacing Morant in the starting unit.

Morant rolled his right ankle with a little over four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Tuesday’s 7/8 Play-In tournament game. He did return to action but was labored in his movements, ultimately logging 35 minutes. Following the defeat, Morant left no doubt about what he expects regarding his availability for Friday. “I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving,” Morant said. “It ain’t nothing different.” Memphis will host the winner of Wednesday’s game between Dallas and Sacramento on Friday. This game will determine the eighth seed in the West, with the winner advancing to face Oklahoma City.