Injury Update on Ja Morant
In a recent setback for the Memphis Grizzlies, point guard Ja Morant has suffered a sprained left ankle during practice. As reported by Damichael Cole from the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the team is labeling Morant’s condition as “week-to-week.” This injury comes at a challenging time for the Grizzlies, who are set to kick off their 2025-26 NBA preseason against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, with their regular season debut scheduled for October 22 against the New Orleans Pelicans, just over two weeks from now.
Team Challenges and Coaching Changes
Morant, a two-time All-Star and last season’s team leader with an average of 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game, joins a growing list of players dealing with injuries on the team. The Grizzlies are still reeling from multiple injury issues that plagued them during the previous season, where they finished with a solid 48-34 record but faced significant turmoil late in the season. In a surprising move, the franchise parted ways with long-time head coach Taylor Jenkins just prior to the playoffs, reportedly due to disagreements over the team’s offensive strategy and Morant’s role within it.
Other Player Recoveries
In addition to Morant’s injury, the Grizzlies are managing a host of other player recoveries. Jaren Jackson Jr., the team’s standout big man who recently signed a lucrative five-year, $240 million contract, is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a turf toe injury following foot surgery. Meanwhile, second-year center Zach Edey is also on the mend from ankle surgery. Another key player, Brandon Clarke, required arthroscopic surgery on his right knee due to synovitis and is not expected to be reassessed until late October or early November.
Depth Concerns and Roster Changes
The Grizzlies’ depth is being severely tested with this confluence of injuries, raising significant concerns as they prepare for the upcoming season. Adding to the difficulty, Memphis made headlines over the summer with the controversial decision to trade Desmond Bane, a key backcourt player, to the Orlando Magic. In return, they acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, known for being less versatile as an on-ball offensive player, along with Cole Anthony (who has since been waived) and four future first-round draft picks.
Looking Ahead
With Morant out, Memphis will likely need to rely heavily on reserve players for playmaking duties. Scotty Pippen Jr. is expected to step up, having shown promise as a bright spot during the team’s disheartening sweep in the first round of the playoffs last season against the championship-winning Oklahoma City Thunder. Ty Jerome, who recently signed a three-year, $28 million contract after a standout season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, will also play a critical role in filling the void left by Morant’s absence as the team looks to navigate the early part of the season without several key contributors.
