Encouraging signs emerge for Ja Morant's return as the Grizzlies battle point guard injuries. His reintegration nears, offering hope amid a depleted backcourt.
The Memphis Grizzlies continue to treat Ja Morant’s recovery with caution, but the franchise now sees encouraging signs as its star point guard works back from a right calf strain.
Morant, who has been sidelined since Nov. 15, is officially “day-to-day,” coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters on Dec. 4, offering the most optimistic update since the injury occurred.
Iisalo said Morant has progressed to non-contact, non-full-speed work, an indication of forward movement but not yet a green light for full activity.
In explaining Morant’s status, Iisalo framed the development as a step toward reintegration.
“He’s already moving and able to do some things with the team, so looking positive,” Iisalo said.
Morant suffered the injury in the first quarter of a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team announced on Nov. 17, he would be reevaluated in two weeks, keeping any potential return date fluid. His production before the setback — 17.9 points and 7.6 assists across 12 games — had yet to translate into consistent success, with Memphis going 4-8 in those appearances. The Grizzlies have treaded water in his absence, posting a 5-5 record without him to reach 9-13 through 22 games.
His absence, however, has compounded a larger problem: Memphis has been battered at point guard throughout the first quarter of the season. Scotty Pippen Jr. remains out with a toe injury, Ty Jerome is sidelined by a calf issue, and rookie Javon Small is also out with a toe injury.
The Grizzlies expect to re-evaluate Small sometime this month. Jerome is projected to return between early and mid-January, leaving the team to continue navigating a patchwork rotation in the meantime.
Complicating matters further is the team's effort to maintain momentum after its recent progress. Memphis had won three straight and five of six before Tuesday’s 126-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs — a game in which the Grizzlies held a lead entering the fourth quarter but were unable to close.
Cam Spencer led Memphis with 21 points in the defeat, while Jaylen Wells added 20 and Zach Edey produced 19 points and 15 rebounds. The Spurs leaned on Harrison Barnes’ season-high 31 points and a late surge from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 11 in the final three minutes to swing the game.
The Grizzlies will now try to stabilize while awaiting their star’s return. Their schedule offers at least one reprieve: Memphis will not play another road game until Dec. 15. Up next is a home matchup on Dec. 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers, a test that arrives with the team’s backcourt still significantly thinned but trending — at least in Morant’s case — toward better health.