Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant remained sidelined Sunday, as he missed his fifth straight game due to a right calf contusion. Here’s the latest update on his injury and return timeline.
Ja Morant’s Return Timeline Remains Uncertain Amid Grizzlies’ International Trip
Morant was ruled out of the Grizzlies’ Jan. 11 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, marking another absence as questions continue to surround his health and future with the franchise. Memphis still managed to earn a 103-98 win and improved to 17-22 on the season, good for 10th place in the Western Conference.
Morant last played on Jan. 2 in a 128-121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. In that game, he scored 16 points while adding three rebounds and 11 assists. He appeared uncomfortable late in the contest, which is when the calf issue might have surfaced.
Since then, Morant has consistently appeared on the injury report. He was listed as questionable for three straight games before being ruled out the day before each of the past two matchups. On ESPN’s official injury report for Sunday’s game, Morant was listed as out due to calf issues, with no further update provided by the team.
The Grizzlies have not offered a detailed timetable for Morant’s return. However, the USA Today Memphis Grizzlies injury list currently projects an expected return date of Jan. 15.
Morant has appeared in just 18 games this season. In those outings, he is averaging 19 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, well below his usual workload due to ongoing health concerns.
The injury situation comes at a tense time for the Memphis team. Trade speculation surrounding Morant has intensified as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches. Reports indicate the Grizzlies are more open than ever to exploring a deal involving the former franchise cornerstone.
Morant is in his seventh season with the organization and has already dealt with off-court issues and internal friction this year. There have also been reports of tension between Morant and new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, adding another layer of uncertainty to his future in Memphis.
The Grizzlies are next scheduled to return to action on Thursday, Jan. 15, when they face the Orlando Magic as part of the NBA’s international slate. The teams will meet at Uber Arena in Berlin, with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Prime Video. Memphis and Orlando will then face off again on Sunday at the O2 Arena in London.
Whether Morant will be available for either game remains unclear. Until Memphis provides a clearer update, his status can be viewed as day-to-day as he recovers from the calf injury.
