Grizzlies Await Ja Morant’s Return as Injuries, Friction and Form Complicate Season

The Memphis Grizzlies entered the season with playoff ambitions but have instead found themselves battling inconsistency, injury setbacks and growing internal questions. At 10–13, the team remains within striking distance in the Western Conference, though it has yet to establish the continuity needed to rise above the middle of the pack.

Much of that inconsistency stems from the extended absence of Ja Morant, who has missed nine games with a right calf strain. The injury, suffered on Nov. 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, has kept Memphis’ star guard sidelined at a time when the team sorely needs offensive playmaking and stability.

Morant’s production when available has also been below his usual standard. Averaging 17.9 points per game—his lowest figure since his rookie year—he has struggled to find efficiency, shooting a career-low 35.9 percent from the field and just 16.7 percent from three.

As the Grizzlies wait for their franchise cornerstone to return, they must navigate a competitive Western Conference where every missed opportunity threatens to push them further from postseason contention.

1. Morant’s Injury Timeline Shows Gradual Progress

While Morant remains sidelined, recent updates indicate progress. Initially ruled out for an extended stretch following the calf strain, he has now been upgraded to “doubtful” for Memphis’ upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers—an improvement from his previous status as out. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo noted that Morant is now considered “day-to-day,” with steady advancement through non-contact and limited-speed drills. The team had originally targeted a reassessment two weeks after his injury, but the slower trajectory reflects an emphasis on long-term stability over short-term urgency. Morant has already missed matchups against the Clippers and may remain out for Portland, making the Dec. 12 contest against Utah a more realistic return date. With calf injuries notoriously delicate, Memphis has taken a cautious approach to avoid setbacks that could linger deeper into the season. As the Grizzlies await clarity, the coaching staff continues to prepare contingency rotations while monitoring Morant’s workload and response to increased activity.

2. A Season Complicated by On- and Off-Court Turbulence

Morant’s injury would be challenging enough on its own, but his season has also been clouded by several off-court issues. Trade speculation, tension with the coaching staff and a one-game suspension have added layers of distraction for a team already operating with little margin for error. On the floor, Morant has not looked like his All-NBA self. Beyond his reduced scoring average, his efficiency has been uncharacteristically poor, and his rhythm within the offense has lacked its usual explosiveness. Memphis is 4–8 when he plays and 5–5 without him—numbers that underscore both his uneven performance and the team’s collective inconsistency. The team’s point guard depth remains thin due to injuries elsewhere in the backcourt, leaving ball-handling duties spread across makeshift rotations that lack cohesion. The result has been stagnation on offense and vulnerability in key late-game moments. For Memphis to reassert itself as a postseason contender, Morant’s return must coincide with a resurgence in form and leadership—something the team has yet to see this year.

3. Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance

Currently sitting ninth in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies face a challenging landscape. With several teams bunched tightly in the standings, even small surges or skids could significantly alter their postseason outlook. The team’s recent form suggests that a playoff berth is far from guaranteed. Memphis has struggled with consistency, particularly on offense, where the absence of Morant’s burst and creation has been magnified. Defensively, the group has been solid but lacks the scoring support needed to convert stops into sustained leads. Morant remains Memphis’ most capable catalyst for change. His ability to create advantages, pressure defenses and elevate teammates has historically lifted the Grizzlies into playoff contention. However, his impact will depend not only on his availability but on his ability to regain the confidence and efficiency that have defined his career. As the season progresses, Memphis must balance patience with urgency, knowing that their path forward depends heavily on the timing and effectiveness of their star guard’s return.