Morant's calf issue complicates Grizzlies' LA swing. Coach Iisalo eyes caution as key playmaker battles injury, impacting team's stability.
The Memphis Grizzlies continue to weigh caution against competitiveness as new context emerges surrounding Ja Morant and his recent calf injury.
Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo said ahead of Saturday’s game that Morant’s availability was “trending towards” him not being available after the guard suffered a right calf contusion in Friday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. The remark underscored Memphis’ uncertainty as it managed Morant’s status during the second game of the back-to-back in Los Angeles.
The injury came in a game where Morant was otherwise productive and impactful. Despite the physical setback, he finished Friday’s contest with a double-double, recording 16 points and 11 assists while continuing to function as the primary engine of Memphis’ offense. His playmaking kept the Grizzlies organized for long stretches and allowed them to generate quality looks even as the Lakers asserted control late.
That performance reflected the broader role Morant has played since returning to the lineup. Through 18 games this season, Morant is averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds, numbers that underscore both his scoring presence and his importance as a facilitator. For a Memphis team that has spent much of the season navigating injuries and rotation instability, Morant’s ability to orchestrate offense has been essential whenever he has been available.
The timing of the calf issue is particularly delicate. Morant had started four consecutive games entering the weekend, marking his longest run of starts since November, and Memphis had begun to show signs of improved continuity. With the Grizzlies in the midst of a three-game losing streak — their longest since mid-November — the possibility of losing Morant, even temporarily, adds another obstacle to stabilizing their season.
Iisalo’s comments suggested that the organization was prioritizing caution rather than pushing Morant through discomfort. A calf contusion, while not typically classified as a long-term injury, can compromise explosiveness and lateral movement if aggravated, especially for a player whose game is built on burst, downhill pressure and quick changes of direction.
Those considerations are central to Memphis’ decision-making process. The Grizzlies have consistently taken a measured approach with Morant’s health, understanding how integral he is not just to nightly results but to the team’s overall trajectory. With a demanding stretch of the schedule ahead, ensuring Morant is able to sustain his availability carries more weight than squeezing out marginal short-term gains.
Friday’s game against Los Angeles also illustrated how narrow the margins have been for Memphis. Even with Morant producing efficiently, the Grizzlies struggled to close possessions late, allowing the Lakers to pull away behind timely shot-making. Those moments highlighted how difficult it becomes for Memphis to manage late-game execution without full health and lineup continuity.
Following the Los Angeles trip, the Grizzlies are set to return home for four straight games and seven of their next nine at FedExForum. That homestand represents an opportunity to regain footing, but it also places added importance on injury management and roster stability.
As of now, Morant’s condition remains day-to-day, with further evaluation expected as Memphis continues to monitor the calf contusion. His recent production underscores what the Grizzlies risk losing without him — and why the organization is proceeding carefully as it balances urgency with long-term priorities.