Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant missed Saturday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks due to low back soreness, marking his 12th absence of the season. Despite his intermittent availability, the Grizzlies have surged to a 20-9 start, the second-best record in the Western Conference.

Morant had been listed on injury reports with back soreness, and his absence on Saturday seemed linked to a hard fall he took during Thursday’s dominant win over the Golden State Warriors. Avery Braxton of ABC24 Memphis detailed the incident: “Ja Morant takes a hard bump and stays on the ground.

He appeared to grab his lower back/hip, hobbled to the bench, returned for free throws, but exited after a jump ball was called instead.”

Now back home for Monday night’s matchup against the LA Clippers, Morant is not listed on the Grizzlies’ injury report and is expected to play.

NBA fans have shared their reactions to Morant’s injury update ahead of the Western Conference showdown. Against the Clippers, Morant has averaged 22.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 12 career games, with the Grizzlies winning six of those contests. Meanwhile, the Clippers enter the game after splitting a two-game series with the Dallas Mavericks.

“Ja’s return boosts Grizzlies’ chances,” a fan wrote.

“JA IS BACKKKKK,” an excited Grizzlies fan commented.

“We backkkk,” a fan proclaimed.

“12 back!” another fan exclaimed.

“JAAAAAAA,” a fan replied.