Jan 15, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

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Why Ja Morant will not earn any All-NBA honors this season?

Ja Morant missed the game against the Spurs due to soreness on right foot.

Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant was sidelined for the game against San Antonio Spurs on Friday, January 17. Morant was forced to sit out due to soreness in his right foot which he suffered during the home loss to the Houston Rockets on January 9.

This was the 18th game that the 25-year-old missed for the Grizzlies, which made him ineligible for the NBA’s postseason awards this season. As per the NBA rules, a player must play at least 65 games to qualify for awards including the All-NBA status or the MVP award. With him missing the game, Morant would be able to play a maximum of 64 matches in the remaining season.

The Grizzlies turned around things after a disappointing 2023-24 season, where they could record only 27 wins. However, in the current season, they have become one of the best teams in the West and are 27-15, occupying third spot in the Western Conference standings. They recorded their second win over the Spurs in two matches before taking them down 129-115 on Wednesday, January 15.

Ja Morant acompaña a sus @memgrizz 👋#NBAxESPN pic.twitter.com/z6I3TwAkmw
— NBA Latam (@NBALatam) January 18, 2025

NBA’s eligibility criteria for major awards

To qualify for NBA’s various honors including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA teams and so on, here are some specifications that players are required to meet:

Games Played: Players must play at least 65 regular season games.

Playing Time: A player must play for at least 20 minutes in one game to be eligible for the awards.

Also Read:

Ja Morant in 2024-25 season

Ja Morant, who led the team with a team high of 21 points and 12 assists during Wednesday’s 129-115 win over the Spurs, is averaging at 21.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.

Despite Morant having a season marred with recurrence of injuries, the Grizzlies are sitting third in the standings. In the Friday night game, the Grizzlies recorded a solid 140-112 win over the Spurs.

Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies

San Antonio Spurs

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.