Five things you need to know before Grizzlies star Ja Morant makes his highly anticipated return against Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz on NBA League Pass (9 ET). 

• Ja’s Impact: Before his 2023-24 season was cut short on Jan. 5 due to a shoulder injury, Morant averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists and 5.6 boards in nine games for the Grizzlies, who went 6-3 with their star guard in the lineup but 21-52 without him.

• Hungry Grizz: With a 27-55 overall record, the Grizzlies missed the playoffs last season for the first time in three years but will look to reestablish themselves as contenders out West, where they were the No. 2 seed in 2023.

• Young Cub: In five preseason games, Memphis’ No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Zach Edey, ranked third on the team in total points (61) and first in rebounds (36) and blocks (5). In the 2024 NBA GM Survey, the 7-foot-4 center received the second-most votes to win Kia Rookie of the Year (30%).

• Jazz Jump? After notching four wins in the preseason, Utah — which signed Markkanen to a long-term deal this summer — will look to improve on its 31 wins in 2023-24.

Utah Muscle: Last season, the Jazz led the league in second-chance points per game (16.5) and finished tied for third in total rebounding with 45.5 boards per game.