The Memphis Grizzlies have shut down All-Star guard Ja Morant for the remainder of the 2025-26 season due to a lingering UCL sprain in his left elbow, a devastating blow to a team already struggling to stay in the playoff race.
The Memphis Grizzlies announced Tuesday that Ja Morant will miss the rest of the season after a recent consultation recommended he receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to address lingering discomfort in his left elbow. The 26-year-old All-Star has been sidelined since January 21 with a UCL sprain, but the decision to shut him down entirely underscores the severity of the injury and the team’s caution with their franchise cornerstone, as reported by USA TODAY.
Morant’s absence is a significant setback for a Grizzlies team that has already been beset by injuries this season. The team’s record stands at 24-47, leaving them in 11th place in the Western Conference with only 11 games remaining, according to the official standings.
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Morant appeared in just 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and a career-high 8.1 assists per game while shooting 41% from the field. His scoring average is the lowest since his second season in the league, a reflection of both his limited playing time and the challenges of returning from injury.
Beyond Morant, the Grizzlies are also facing the loss of key frontcourt players. Brandon Clarke has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a right calf strain, and center Zach Edey underwent a procedure to address lingering discomfort in his left elbow. Both players are expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season, joining Morant in what the team hopes will be a healthier campaign next year.
Morant’s injury history has become a concerning narrative for the 26-year-old star. Since being selected with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Murray State, he has won Rookie of the Year, earned two All-Star selections, and led the Grizzlies to four playoff appearances. However, he has appeared in only 79 games over the past three seasons, raising questions about his durability and the team’s long-term plans.
Despite the grim outlook for this season, the Grizzlies are banking on a full recovery for Morant and their other injured stars to regroup and contend in the West next year. The organization’s statement emphasized that Morant is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season, offering a glimmer of hope for a franchise that has built its identity around its dynamic young point guard.
For the Grizzlies, the remainder of the season will be about developing young talent and positioning for the draft while hoping to avoid further setbacks. The loss of Morant, Clarke, and Edey for the year is a severe blow to a team that had championship aspirations not long ago, but the organization remains focused on the future.
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