Ja Morant Injury Update: Will the Grizzlies Star Miss More Than Two Weeks?

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is set to miss at least two weeks after suffering a grade 1 right calf strain during the team’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 15. The Grizzlies confirmed he will be re-evaluated after the two-week recovery window. This Ja Morant injury update comes at a difficult moment for a roster already hit by multiple guard injuries.

Morant left the game late in the first quarter after a fast start. He has appeared in 12 of Memphis’ first 14 games and is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists. His absence now adds new pressure to a backcourt that is dealing with several setbacks.

Grizzlies Face Guard Depth Crisis After Latest Ja Morant Injury Update

The two-week evaluation timeline signals that the Grizzlies expect Morant to recover without long-term complications, but the loss is still significant. According to the team, the injury was confirmed as a grade 1 strain, a relatively mild soft-tissue issue compared to more severe calf injuries often seen across the league.

Memphis is already without Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Ty Jerome (calf), and Javon Small (toe). All three continue to miss time, leaving the team with limited ball-handling options. The organization recently signed rookie Jahmai Mashack to a two-way deal to help stabilize the rotation. Mashack, picked 59th in the 2025 NBA Draft, now steps into an important depth role.

With multiple guards sidelined, the Grizzlies have shifted responsibilities to Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer. Both have taken on expanded playmaking duties in recent games. Their performance will help determine how much stability Memphis can maintain until Morant returns.

Trusted outlets such as Associated Press have reported that Morant’s early exit affected Memphis’ offensive rhythm against Cleveland. The team’s pace slowed, and their ability to generate easy transition points declined. The Grizzlies have struggled with consistency all season, and losing their top creator complicates their path forward in the competitive Western Conference.

The timing also matters. Memphis faces a tough stretch of games against several playoff-caliber teams. Without Morant, the Grizzlies will likely lean more on Desmond Bane as a lead scorer and distributor. Coach Taylor Jenkins will need to adjust rotations and offensive sets to compensate for Morant’s absence.

How Morant’s Absence Could Affect Memphis in the Coming Weeks

This injury, while minor on the medical scale, carries ripple effects for team chemistry, offensive efficiency, and lineup continuity. The Grizzlies have struggled to build momentum with early-season injuries, and Morant missing multiple games creates new challenges.

Short term, Memphis could see reduced scoring and slower pace. Long term, the absence may affect standings, especially if the team drops additional games before Morant is cleared. Memphis is already navigating a difficult start to the 2025–26 season, and regaining their star point guard at full strength is essential.

As the team awaits the next Ja Morant injury update, Memphis hopes the star guard will return quickly. A smooth recovery would help stabilize the backcourt and give the Grizzlies a better chance to rebound from their slow start.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long will Ja Morant be out?

He is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks. His return will depend on how the calf heals during that period.

Q2: What caused Ja Morant’s injury?

He suffered a grade 1 right calf strain during the first quarter of the Grizzlies’ loss to the Cavaliers on Nov. 15.

Q3: Who replaces Ja Morant in the lineup?

Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer are taking on more ball-handling duties. Rookie Jahmai Mashack was also added for depth.

Q4: How does Morant’s injury affect the Grizzlies?

The team loses its primary playmaker. With several guards already injured, depth and consistency become major issues.

Q5: Is this injury considered serious?

No. A grade 1 strain is the mildest calf injury, but it still requires rest to avoid worsening.