Ja Morant Injured, Grizzlies Prepare for Season Without Key Player

Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has suffered a sprained left ankle during practice, placing him on a temporary “week-to-week” recovery schedule.

The team is set to begin their 2025-26 preseason against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, followed by their regular season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 22—just over two weeks after Morant’s injury.

Morant’s injury adds to a series of setbacks for the Grizzlies, who finished last season with a 48-34 record and made the playoffs. Notably, head coach Taylor Jenkins was unexpectedly dismissed just nine games before the postseason, amid disagreements over offensive strategies and Morant’s role.

Key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. are recovering from injuries, with Jackson undergoing foot surgery for turf toe after signing a five-year, $240 million extension this summer. Center Zach Edey and forward Brandon Clarke are also working their way back from ankle surgery and knee arthroscopy, respectively.

The team faces the challenge of not only missing several core players but also starting the season without Morant, who averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists last year. To fill the void, backups such as Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome—recently signed to a three-year, $28 million deal—will likely shoulder much of the playmaking responsibilities.

Changes to the roster include the recent trade of long-time guard Desmond Bane to the Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony (who was waived), and four future first-round picks.

Despite the obstacles, the Grizzlies remain focused on their upcoming season, with their outlook now hinging on how quickly their injured players can recover and how effectively their reserve options perform in Morant’s absence.