In a significant development for their playoff hopes, the Memphis Grizzlies will have their star point guard Ja Morant available for their home clash against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Morant's name is conspicuously absent from the team's latest injury report, confirming his full recovery from a left ankle issue that had sidelined him earlier in the month.
Morant's Road to Recovery: From Ankle Sprain to Full Clearance
The dynamic guard originally sustained the injury to his left ankle late in the Grizzlies' victory over the LA Clippers on December 16, 2025. Exercising caution, the team's medical staff held him out of the subsequent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 18. His return to the court came with a minutes restriction as he tested the ankle's stability in live game action.
Over the next several contests, Morant's workload was carefully managed and gradually increased. The rehabilitation process proved successful, leading to a full medical clearance by the end of December. His omission from the official injury reports dated December 29 and 30, 2025, is the final confirmation that the ankle concern is resolved and requires no further monitoring.
Grizzlies' Injury Woes: Morant's Return Offsets a Lengthy List
While Morant's return is a massive positive, the Grizzlies' roster remains severely depleted. The team will face the Sixers without several key rotation players, testing their depth. The current injury situation for Memphis includes:
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG): Ruled out with a hamstring injury.
- Vince Williams Jr. (SF): Out due to a knee issue.
- Brandon Clarke (F/C): Out for 6–9 weeks with a calf injury.
- Zach Edey (C): Out with an ankle problem.
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (PG): Out with a toe injury.
- Additional absences include Jock Landale (Calf, Day-to-Day), John Konchar (Thumb), and Ty Jerome (Calf).
This context makes Morant's availability even more critical for a Grizzlies squad holding a 15–17 record and sitting third in the competitive Southwest Division.
Game Impact: How Morant Changes the Dynamics vs Philadelphia
Morant's unrestricted return fundamentally alters the Grizzlies' offensive approach. In his absence, the scoring and playmaking burden fell heavily on forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and other role players. With Morant back, Memphis regains its primary engine.
He reinstates pace, creates high-percentage shots for teammates, and alleviates pressure from secondary ball-handlers. His ability to penetrate the defense and control the game's tempo will be pivotal.
The matchup could be further influenced by the status of Philadelphia's MVP candidate, Joel Embiid, who is listed as questionable with an ankle issue of his own. If Embiid is limited or unavailable, Morant's lane penetration and fast-break prowess become even more potent weapons. With no minutes cap expected, the Grizzlies will rely on their superstar to deliver a full performance as they aim to secure a vital home win and stabilize their season.
