Morant's UCL sprain sidelined again. Grizzlies face continued uncertainty as their star guard faces another lengthy evaluation period.
The Memphis Grizzlies are once again recalibrating around Ja Morant’s health.
Memphis announced that Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks as he continues to recover from a UCL sprain in his left elbow, an injury he sustained Jan. 21 in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
The update provides the clearest timetable yet for the All-Star guard, whose season has been defined by intermittent absences.
Morant has not played since the Hawks game, where the elbow injury occurred. The sprain affects the ulnar collateral ligament — a stabilizing structure critical for joint integrity and force transfer — making proper recovery essential for a player whose game relies heavily on acceleration, balance and contact finishes.
The elbow setback came immediately after Morant had just returned from another injury. He missed six games between Jan. 4 and Jan. 18 with a right calf contusion. That stretch forced Memphis to adjust its backcourt rotation before he returned Jan. 18 to post 24 points and 13 assists in 28 minutes in a win over the Orlando Magic.
Three days later, he was sidelined again.
Through 20 appearances this season, Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.0 steals. While his per-game production remains strong, availability continues to be the overriding concern. Over his last two seasons combined, Morant has appeared in just 59 games.
This year alone, Memphis has navigated ankle discomfort, a calf contusion and now the elbow sprain with its franchise point guard. Each absence has required lineup recalibration and has interrupted offensive continuity.
The two-week re-evaluated window suggests the Grizzlies are opting for a cautious approach rather than rushing him back. UCL sprains vary in severity, and treatment typically centers on rest, anti-inflammatory management and gradual strengthening before return-to-play clearance.
For Memphis, the priority is ensuring stability in the joint before Morant resumes high-velocity movements and physical finishes at the rim. Guards who absorb contact on drives and routinely extend through traffic place substantial stress on the elbow, particularly on their shooting and passing arm.
The timing also carries broader implications. Morant will be eligible this summer for a three-year, $178 million contract extension. While performance has not been in question, consistent availability is a key factor in long-term roster planning.
For now, the Grizzlies are in evaluation mode. The next medical update in two weeks will determine whether this is a short-term interruption or another prolonged absence in a season that has already demanded patience.
Memphis’ immediate focus remains simple: get Morant healthy, then reassess from there.