Morant sits out the rematch against the Spurs and will be ineligible for NBA awards by missing the 18th game

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Ja Morant was sidelined for the Memphis-San Antonio rematch Friday night because of a sore right foot, and the Grizzlies guard became ineligible for the NBA’s postseason awards after missing his 18th. game in the season.

The NBA requires players to play in 65 games for selection to the All-NBA teams, MVP and other awards. Morant can only play in a maximum of 64 games after sitting out Friday.

Morant was listed as questionable against the Spurs, but was ruled out about 30 minutes before tipoff.

Morant was coming off a 21-point, 12-assist outing on Wednesday, then The Grizzlies rallied to beat the Spurs 129-115.

Morant is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 assists in his sixth season.

Memphis (26-15) is in third place in the Western Conference, despite Morant missing nearly half the season.

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