Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is expected to return from an eight-game absence to play against the Portland Trail Blazers at home Monday night, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported.

Morant, 25, has been out with a hip injury. In eight games earlier this season, the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year averaged 20.6 points with 5.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists.

Even without their starting point guard, Memphis has excelled at ball distribution this season.

The Grizzlies are among the league leaders in assists per game (29.8) and their 38 in Saturday’s lopsided road win over the Chicago Bulls tied a season-high. Memphis ranked third behind Denver (30.3) and Golden State (30.2) in the category entering Monday’s games.

Morant played just nine games last season because of a disciplinary suspension and a shoulder injury. He has played 265 games (263 starts) over six seasons with averages of 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists with two All-Star Game appearances.

The Grizzlies are 10-7 this season and on a two-game winning streak heading into Monday’s contest.

–Field Level Media