Ja Morant’s Ankle Injury Adds to Memphis Grizzlies’ Growing Injury Nightmare Upon the 2025-26 Season Starting
The Memphis Grizzlies can’t catch a break. Just when fans thought this season might be different, their electrifying point guard, Ja Morant, went down with a sprained left ankle during practice, leaving everyone wondering if the injury bug would ever stop haunting this franchise.
Monday’s announcement hit Grizzlies Nation like a punch to the gut. The team’s medical staff labeled Morant as “week-to-week,” which in NBA speak could mean anywhere from seven days to a month. With the season opener against New Orleans just over two weeks away, the clock is ticking, and anxiety is mounting in Memphis.
The Injury Plague Continues for Memphis
This isn’t just bad luck anymore—it’s becoming a disturbing pattern. Ja Morant and the Grizzlies seem cursed when it comes to staying healthy. The star guard hasn’t played a full season since entering the league, missing significant time due to various injuries and suspensions each year.
But Morant isn’t suffering alone. The Grizzlies’ injury report reads like a medical textbook these days. Brandon Clarke underwent knee surgery in September after dealing with a sprained PCL that just wouldn’t heal properly. The big man’s recovery timeline remains murky, adding another layer of uncertainty to Memphis’s frontcourt rotation.
Then there’s the situation with their towers—Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey. Both big men are nursing injuries that could sideline them for the season’s opening weeks. For a team trying to establish an identity under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, losing three key players before the first preseason game is devastating.
Ja Morant’s Career at a Crossroads
The timing couldn’t be worse for Ja Morant personally. After a statistically disappointing 2024-25 season and the shocking dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins right before the playoffs, this was supposed to be his redemption year. The explosive guard needed to prove he could carry a franchise, silence the critics, and show that his highlight-reel dunks translate to consistent winning basketball.
Instead, he’s dealing with another setback that threatens to derail his momentum before it even begins. The basketball gods seem to have it out for Morant, who possesses otherworldly athletic ability but can’t seem to stay on the court long enough to showcase it consistently.
There’s genuine concern about Morant’s durability. Since being drafted second overall in 2019, he’s missed at least 15 games every single season. Whether it’s shoulder injuries, knee problems, or now ankle issues, something always seems to crop up. For a player whose game relies heavily on explosive athleticism and acrobatic finishes, these recurring physical setbacks raise legitimate questions about his long-term viability as a franchise cornerstone.
The Pressure Mounts Under New Leadership
Coach Tuomas Iisalo walked into a challenging situation even before this latest injury news broke. The Finnish tactician, known for his innovative offensive systems, was brought in to unlock the Grizzlies‘ potential and get the most out of their talented but injury-prone roster.
Now Iisalo faces the nightmare scenario every coach dreads: implementing a new system while key players sit in street clothes. Building chemistry and establishing rotations becomes exponentially harder when your best player is rehabbing instead of running plays.
What This Means for Memphis’s Season
The Ja Morant injury throws the Grizzlies’ season opener into serious jeopardy. While team officials remain optimistic about his recovery timeline, ankle injuries for explosive guards can be tricky. Rush back too soon, and you risk a more serious injury. Take too much time, and you fall behind in what promises to be a competitive Western Conference.
Memphis desperately needs Morant healthy and engaged if they want to make noise in the playoffs. His ability to create shots, facilitate for teammates, and provide that spark of electricity that gets crowds on their feet is irreplaceable. Without him, the Grizzlies become just another middle-of-the-pack team fighting for relevance.
The franchise invested heavily in building around Morant’s unique skill set. Trading away veterans, drafting complementary pieces, and hiring coaches who could maximize his potential. But all those moves mean nothing if their centerpiece can’t stay healthy.
As October 22nd approaches, Grizzlies fans are holding their breath, hoping this ankle sprain is minor and that their dynamic point guard will be back to his gravity-defying best when it matters most. Because if Ja Morant can’t overcome these injury demons, Memphis might be looking at another long, disappointing season in the competitive Western Conference.
