Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report: Game availability update on Ja Morant and others

Memphis Grizzlies head into their road matchup against the Utah Jazz with renewed intrigue surrounding their injury report, as franchise star Ja Morant has taken a meaningful step toward a possible return. After spending nearly a month on the sidelines, Morant has been upgraded to questionable, giving Memphis a potential boost at a time when depth remains stretched across multiple positions.

Ja Morant’s status shifts the narrative

Morant’s upgrade from out to questionable marks the most encouraging development Grizzlies have received in weeks. The explosive guard has been dealing with a right calf strain that has limited his availability and disrupted Memphis’ offensive rhythm. Should he be cleared to play, it would likely mark his first appearance since mid-November.

In 12 games this season, Morant has averaged 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. While his shooting efficiency has dipped, his ability to pressure defenses off the dribble remains unmatched on the roster. A potential return against a Jazz defense ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive rating could immediately alter the flow of the game.

Frontcourt and backcourt depth remain a concern

Despite the positive update on Ja Morant, Memphis will still be operating shorthanded. Brandon Clarke remains out as he continues his recovery from right knee surgery, while rookie center Zach Edey is sidelined with a left ankle stress reaction. The absence of Edey further limits Memphis Grizzlies’ interior rotation and rebounding options.

The backcourt is also thin. Ty Jerome continues to recover from a right calf strain, and John Konchar is unavailable due to a torn UCL in his left thumb. Scotty Pippen Jr. remains out following left great toe surgery, leaving Memphis short on perimeter depth and ball-handling options.

G League and additional absences

GG Jackson is unavailable due to a G League assignment, while Javon Small remains sidelined with turf toe. With multiple rotational players unavailable, Memphis has leaned heavily on younger contributors and short-handed lineups in recent games.

What it means moving forward

Memphis Grizzlies’ outlook hinges largely on Ja Morant’s final status ahead of tip-off. His return would not only provide a scoring and playmaking lift but also ease the workload on a depleted rotation. If he remains sidelined, Memphis will once again be tasked with navigating significant absences against a Utah team searching for defensive stability.