Why Ja Morant Is Not Playing Tonight?
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is sidelined for tonight's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs due to a Grade 1 strain in his right calf. The injury occurred midway through the first quarter of the Grizzlies' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 15, forcing him to exit early and head to the locker room without returning. Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) shared on X that Ja Morant is out.
This marks his first extended absence this season, coming at a tough time for Memphis, who sit at 4-10 overall and has dropped four straight games. The team announced he'll be re-evaluated in about two weeks, meaning he's likely out until early December as he focuses on recovery. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized caution, noting Morant's history of lower-body issues, to avoid any long-term setbacks.
What Happened to Ja Morant?
Morant appeared to tweak his calf during a subtle movement on the court against Cleveland, favoring the leg with a slight limp that became noticeable when he tried to run at full speed. He signaled to the bench during a stoppage with 6:01 left in the first quarter and didn't return, initially described as "calf soreness." Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) reported on X that Ja Morant will not return to today’s game against the Cavs due to calf soreness.
This follows a right ankle issue that kept him out of the prior game against the Boston Celtics on November 12. At media day, Morant had set a personal goal to play all 82 games this season, but the Grizzlies are prioritizing his health amid their thin backcourt rotation.
Who Is Ja Morant's Backup on the Grizzlies?
With Morant out, the Grizzlies are scrambling at point guard, already missing Ty Jerome (calf), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), and rookie Javon Small (toe). Vince Williams Jr. stepped in during the Cavaliers game and is expected to see heavy minutes alongside Cam Spencer, handling primary playmaking duties. Memphis recently added rookie Jahmai Mashack on a two-way contract for extra depth, shifting roles across the roster to distribute the load from their leading scorer and facilitator.
Ja Morant Stats
This season (2025-26), Morant is posting career lows across the board in just nine games: 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in 28.8 minutes. His shooting has struggled too, at 35.9% from the field and a rough 16.7% from three-point range his lowest scoring output since his rookie year (17.8 PPG).
Last season (2024-25), he bounced back strong with 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over 50 games, but injuries have limited his explosiveness early on. Fans are hoping this rest reignites his All-Star form once he returns.
Disclaimer
This information is for news and entertainment purposes only; injury status, timetables, and roster moves may change and should be confirmed with official sources. The Memphis Grizzlies and NBA trademarks belong to their respective owners. Use this update at your own risk, and check official reports for final details.
