Thu Oct 09 00:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ star point guard, has suffered another setback, a sprained ankle sustained during practice. This injury adds to his growing list of durability concerns, as he’s struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. He will miss the team’s preseason opener, and his availability for the regular season is now uncertain. He’s already missed significant time due to suspension and a shoulder injury in recent years. His goal to play all 82 games this season is now in jeopardy. This is not the first ankle sprain Morant has dealt with during his time in the NBA.

**News Article:**

**Ja Morant Suffers Ankle Sprain, Raising Fresh Injury Concerns for Grizzlies**

MEMPHIS, TN – Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has suffered a sprained left ankle during practice, the team announced on Monday. The injury, sustained on Sunday, will sideline Morant for the Grizzlies’ preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons and casts a shadow over his availability for the start of the regular season on October 22 against the New Orleans Pelicans. The team has listed Morant as week-to-week, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

This latest setback adds to the growing list of injuries that have plagued Morant throughout his NBA career. The 26-year-old guard, ranked No. 25 in USA TODAY’s NBA player rankings for the 2025-26 season, has played in just 59 games combined over the past two seasons. Last season, he missed 32 games due to various ailments affecting his back, shoulder, knee, ankle, foot, hamstring and hip. He only played nine games after his suspension to start the 2023-24 season due to shoulder surgery.

“It’s unfortunate for Ja and for the team,” said a Grizzlies spokesperson before the team’s preseason game, acknowledging the ongoing concerns surrounding the star player’s durability.

Morant, who was suspended for 25 games during the 2023-24 season and also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that same year, expressed a desire at media day last week to play all 82 games this season. This recent injury further complicates those aspirations.

The ankle sprain is not the first for Morant, who has a history of similar injuries, including one in December 2020 that sidelined him for eight games. A knee injury during the 2022 playoffs also impacted the Grizzlies’ postseason run.

The Grizzlies will closely monitor Morant’s recovery, but his absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s preparations for the upcoming season.

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