Ja Morant return timeline injury update as Grizzlies eye key comeback

Ja Morant will miss another game as he continues to recover from a right calf strain suffered on November 15 in Cleveland. The Memphis Grizzlies ruled him out for the December 5 home matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, extending his absence to nine straight games.

The team offered its most encouraging update yet after practice on December 4. Morant was seen shooting and taking part in non-contact drills, prompting renewed optimism that his return timeline is moving forward in a positive direction.

Ja Morant return timeline injury update from Memphis staff

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters that Morant is now considered “day-to-day,” a notable upgrade after the team initially announced a two-week reevaluation period. He confirmed that the star guard is already moving well and taking part in controlled portions of practice.

According to coverage from USA TODAY Network, Morant participated in non-full-speed work and was able to shoot comfortably for extended stretches. These are important benchmarks for calf injuries, which require careful ramp-up to avoid setbacks. Teams often monitor explosive movement and lateral actions before clearing players for full-contact activity.

Memphis has managed the situation with caution. Morant last played on November 15, when he exited early in the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, the Grizzlies have gone 5–3 across the eight games he missed prior to tonight. They are 5–5 overall this season when he is not in the lineup.

Morant’s statistical dip earlier in the season adds pressure to return at full strength. He entered the injury stretch averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game, while shooting a career-worst 35.9 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from three-point range. Memphis will be hoping improved health supports a reset in rhythm when he officially returns.

How Morant’s absence shapes the Grizzlies’ direction

The Grizzlies have relied on increased ball movement and guard depth during Morant’s absence. The team has found stability by tightening rotations and leaning on defensive intensity. But the offense lacks consistent creation without Morant’s speed and rim pressure.

The upcoming schedule raises the urgency of a return. Memphis faces multiple Western Conference opponents in the coming weeks, and a prolonged absence could affect their early-season momentum. Morant’s return timeline will influence rotations, play style and the team’s ability to generate easy scoring opportunities.

Morant remains out for now, but the latest injury update signals genuine progress. The Grizzlies expect further evaluation in the coming days as he inches toward a full-speed return.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is Ja Morant expected to return?

Morant is listed as day-to-day. The team has not given an exact return date but reports suggest he is trending in the right direction.

Q2: Why is Ja Morant missing the Clippers game?

He is still recovering from a right calf strain suffered on November 15 and has not yet been cleared for game action.

Q3: What drills has Morant been participating in?

He has taken part in shooting work and non-contact, non-full-speed practice drills as part of his return progression.

Q4: How have the Grizzlies performed without Morant?

The team is 5–5 this season when he does not play and went 5–3 during the recent stretch of games he missed.

Q5: Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight for the Clippers?

Leonard’s status depends on the Clippers’ official injury report. Teams typically update availability on game day.