Star guard sidelined again by elbow sprain, disrupting continuity and leaving Memphis Grizzlies in uncertain territory. Return timetable remains unknown.
The Memphis Grizzlies are again in a holding pattern with Ja Morant, whose latest injury has sidelined the star guard and added uncertainty to a season marked by interruptions.
Morant is still being evaluated after suffering a left elbow ulnar collateral ligament sprain during a Jan. 21 game against Atlanta, coach Tuomas Iisalo said Friday. He was ruled out ahead of Memphis’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum, and no timetable has been established for his return.
The injury occurred on a defensive play against the Hawks, when Morant went up for a chase-down block and made contact that affected his left elbow.
Iisalo explained what the team has seen so far.
“He’s still being evaluated,” Iisalo said. “But it was one of the chase-down blocks that he had during that game where he made some contact and hurt his left elbow.”
Morant initially downplayed the incident after the game, joking that he struck the top of the shot clock while elevated above the rim. He later clarified that he hit the backboard and felt a sharp sting similar to a funny bone, adding that he believed at the time he was fine.
Subsequent evaluation prompted Memphis to place Morant back on the injury report. The setback came after he played only two consecutive games following his return from a calf contusion, again disrupting the Grizzlies’ attempts to build continuity.
Despite the stop-and-start nature of his season, Morant has remained productive when available. He is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 20 games, continuing to serve as the team’s primary engine on both ends of the floor.
The latest injury extends a familiar challenge for Morant, who has dealt with recurring health issues throughout much of his NBA career. His fluctuating availability has forced Memphis into frequent rotation changes and heightened reliance on depth.
The timing also overlaps with questions surrounding Morant’s long-term future. Earlier this month, reports indicated the Grizzlies would listen to trade offers, though Morant returned to action during the team’s trip to London and helped lead a win over the Orlando Magic, underscoring his impact when healthy.
Before being sidelined again, Morant finished with 23 points and 12 assists against Atlanta, controlling the game’s pace and providing the offensive spark Memphis has often lacked during his absences.
While Morant’s status remains the focal point, the Grizzlies have received some encouraging news elsewhere. Ty Jerome, signed in the offseason to bolster the bench, has progressed to full five-on-five work as he recovers from a preseason calf strain. Iisalo said earlier this week that Jerome is close to returning but still needs to build conditioning before appearing in games.
For now, Memphis remains focused on gaining clarity on Morant’s elbow. Until evaluations are complete, the Grizzlies are left navigating another stretch without firm answers, hoping their franchise guard can avoid a prolonged absence as the season continues.