Williamson was right, as Morant scored 17 points and dished out 10 assists in the Grizzlies’ 126-116 win over the Pelicans. The Grizzlies are currently 6th in the Western Conference, and are 1.5 games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the 5th seed. The Grizzlies are currently 2.5 games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the 7th seed. The Grizzlies are currently 3.5 games behind the San Antonio.

Morant is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee. Here’s more from the Southwest Division: The Mavericks have been without Kristaps Porzingis for the past two games, but the big man is expected to return to the lineup on Friday, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link). Porzingis has been dealing with a sore right knee. The Rockets are still without John Wall, but the point guard is expected to return to the lineup on.

Williamson is not the only one who is excited to see Morant back on the court. Morant’s teammates are also excited to see him back on the court. “I’m excited to see him back out there,” said Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks. “I know he’s been working hard. I know he’s been itching to get back out there. I’m excited to see him back out there.” Morant’s return will be a welcome sight for the Grizzlies and their fans.

Memphis’ first 25 games will be difficult, as this opener against New Orleans demonstrated, but the team will have one of the finest players in the league returning to the starting lineup once his 25-game suspension is served. Memphis must find manufacturing elsewhere for the time being.