Watch: Memphis Grizzlies' Derrick Rose welcomes Ja Morant home

Count Memphis Grizzlies guard Derrick Rose as one of the many people at FedExForum excited to watch Ja Morant play Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers.

After pregame warmups, Rose walked to mid-court and took the microphone. He started by wishing Grizzlies fans a happy holiday season and then shifted toward something else.

"Welcome back, Ja."

Morant returned from his 25-game suspension Tuesday night when he led the Grizzlies to a win over the Pelicans in New Orleans with a buzzer-beater. Thursday's game at FedExForum is his first home game this season.

The Grizzlies came in to Thursday's game with a 7-19 record but still have time to climb back into the playoff picture. They have struggled with injuries to key players and Morant's absence, but the star's return gives them a major boost at a key point in the season.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Watch: Derrick Rose welcomes home Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant