Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a left elbow ulnar collateral ligament sprain. The team announced the decision Tuesday evening after Morant received a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid healing.
Morant, a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, has not played since January 21, when the Grizzlies fell 124-122 to the Atlanta Hawks. This marks the latest setback in a season defined by injuries for the 26-year-old, who appeared in just 20 games. His averages stood at 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.0 steals over 28.5 minutes per outing, with shooting efficiency at a career-low 41.0 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three-point range.
The Grizzlies’ statement highlighted progress in Morant’s rehabilitation but emphasized caution to ensure long-term recovery. Following the injection, he will reduce stress on the elbow, positioning him for a full return ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The move aligns with a broader injury wave hitting the roster, including forward Brandon Clarke, out for the season with a right calf strain, and rookie Zach Edey, who had a procedure on his left elbow but should be ready next year.
Memphis sits at 24-47, entrenched in 12th place in the Western Conference with 11 regular-season games left, including a matchup Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. The team’s struggles trace back to an offseason trade of Desmond Bane to Orlando and a deadline deal sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, signaling a full rebuild. Trade talks swirled around Morant, but no serious offers emerged, leaving him contracted through 2028 with significant salary ahead.
For a franchise in lottery mode, Morant’s absence could improve draft positioning in a talent-rich class, though it caps any late-season momentum. His inefficient scoring has weighed on the offense, but his playmaking remains elite. The Grizzlies now lean on younger guards like Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer and Javon Small to fill the void.
This injury-plagued year adds to Morant’s history of missing time, as he has never reached 70 games in a season. Still, the projected timeline offers optimism for a reset in what shapes up as a pivotal summer for Memphis.
Ja Morant (elbow) received PRP injection to “optimize ligament healing” and will miss the remainder of this season
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2026
He is expected to make a full recovery for the 2026-27 season pic.twitter.com/1ngttQeGz3
