The Memphis Grizzlies face a crucial road test against the Washington Wizards on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with the availability of their superstar guard Ja Morant hanging in the balance. Morant is officially listed as questionable on the team's injury report, continuing to manage a troublesome left ankle sprain that has disrupted his playing time throughout the month.
Ja Morant's Ankle Injury Status and Recent Performance
The dynamic point guard initially suffered the left ankle sprain in mid-December, an injury that forced him to miss multiple games. This included a previous matchup against the same Washington Wizards team. Morant made his return to the court on December 26, just two days before this scheduled game.
In that comeback appearance, the Grizzlies medical staff enforced a strict minutes restriction. Despite playing just under 26 minutes, Morant delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points and 10 assists, demonstrating his immediate impact on the team's offensive flow. The franchise has maintained a cautious, day-to-day approach with his recovery, focusing on long-term workload management rather than rushing him back to full capacity.
While no final decision was announced before tip-off, all recent signs point towards a greater likelihood of him playing versus sitting out. This optimism is reflected in betting markets, where assist lines for Morant have been set notably high in anticipation of his participation.
Grizzlies' Injury Crisis and Rotation Challenges
Morant's potential absence is magnified by the Grizzlies' extensive injury list, which has left the roster dangerously thin. The team's rotation has been in constant flux, struggling to maintain any consistency.
The full injury report for Memphis ahead of the Washington game includes several key players:
- Ja Morant: Questionable (Left ankle sprain)
- Jock Landale: Questionable (Right calf discomfort)
- Vince Williams Jr.: Out (Left knee soreness)
- Brandon Clarke: Out (Right calf strain)
- Zach Edey: Out (Left ankle stress reaction)
- Ty Jerome: Out (Right calf strain)
- John Konchar: Out (Left thumb surgery)
This dire situation means Morant's playmaking and leadership are more vital than ever. Even with limited minutes, the offense operates with significantly more organization when he is on the floor. If he is unable to suit up, the point guard duties will likely fall to Cam Spencer or Cedric Coward, who have shared the role in his recent absences.
Wizards' Own Woes and Game Outlook
The Washington Wizards are not entering this contest at full strength either, which could level the playing field somewhat. Key wing player Corey Kispert is out with a hamstring injury, and forward Cam Whitmore remains sidelined due to a shoulder DVT. Furthermore, the availability of Kyshawn George and Malaki Branham is in doubt, as both are tagged as questionable, depleting Washington's wing options.
In response, rookie Alex Sarr has been thrust into a larger scoring role for the Wizards. However, Washington will have a major challenge containing Grizzlies' big man Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint, an area where Memphis holds a distinct advantage.
The Grizzlies, fighting to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference, are favored to win this game. For them, it represents a critical opportunity to secure a needed victory away from home. The Wizards, languishing near the bottom of the league standings, are simply searching for signs of progress. Ultimately, Ja Morant's game-time decision will be the primary factor determining how comfortable this matchup feels for Memphis, especially in the decisive moments of the fourth quarter.
