Ja Morant Sidelined with Elbow Injury as Grizzlies Prepare for Pelicans Clash
The Memphis Grizzlies will be without their star guard Ja Morant for tonight's home game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The team has officially ruled him out after medical tests confirmed a left elbow UCL sprain, marking another frustrating interruption in what has been a stop-start season for the explosive playmaker.
Details of Morant's Latest Setback
Morant sustained the injury during Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks when he crashed into the backboard while attempting a chase-down block. Initially describing the sensation as similar to hitting his "funny bone," Morant continued playing and finished with an impressive 23 points and 12 assists. However, subsequent evaluations revealed the more serious UCL sprain, prompting the Grizzlies medical staff to shut him down.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as Morant had just returned from a six-game absence due to a right calf contusion, having played only two games since his comeback. His brief return had provided Memphis with a much-needed offensive spark, but that momentum has now been halted.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Situation
Morant isn't the only key player missing for the Grizzlies, who enter tonight's contest with multiple roster challenges:
- Santi Aldama - Right knee soreness (Out)
- Brandon Clarke - Right calf strain (Out)
- Zach Edey - Left ankle stress reaction (Out)
- Ty Jerome - Right calf strain (Out)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. - Left great toe surgery (Out)
With Morant sidelined, the offensive burden will fall heavily on Jaren Jackson Jr., who will need to carry a larger load on both ends of the floor. The Grizzlies, currently sitting at 18-24, have struggled to find consistency throughout the season and now face another adjustment period without their primary playmaker.
Pelicans Also Dealing with Health Issues
The visiting New Orleans Pelicans arrive in Memphis on a three-game losing streak and have their own injury concerns to manage:
- Dejounte Murray - Right Achilles rupture (Out)
- Jose Alvarado - Left oblique strain (Out)
- Herbert Jones - Right ankle sprain (Questionable)
Additionally, star forward Zion Williamson is listed as day-to-day due to illness, with his availability likely to be a game-time decision that could significantly impact the matchup.
What to Expect in Tonight's Game
Without Morant's dynamic presence, the Grizzlies are expected to emphasize defensive intensity, half-court execution, and contributions from their bench players. Jock Landale, who recorded a double-double against Atlanta, could see extended minutes once again as Memphis looks to compensate for their missing firepower.
Despite the Pelicans being slight underdogs, the season series has been competitive with Memphis holding a 2-0 advantage, both victories coming by narrow margins. For the Grizzlies, this represents another test of their depth and adaptability without their franchise player, while for Morant it's another pause in a season that has yet to find any sustained rhythm or stability.
The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off at FedExForum in Memphis. While there have been mentions of a potential January 25 return date for Morant, elbow injuries can be unpredictable, and the team has not provided a firm timeline for his recovery.
