Ja Morant Injury Sidelines Grizzlies Star, Boosts Lottery Odds

Memphis embraces rebuild as Morant's UCL sprain keeps him out indefinitely

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Memphis Grizzlies announced that star point guard Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks as he continues to recover from a left UCL sprain. While the news is a setback for the franchise, it aligns with the Grizzlies' recent roster moves that suggest the team is embracing a rebuild. With Morant sidelined and the team near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, Memphis now finds itself in prime lottery position for the upcoming NBA draft, which many evaluators consider a strong class.

Why it matters

Morant's extended absence provides the Grizzlies an opportunity to fully evaluate their younger players and determine the next version of the roster, as the team has already begun pivoting toward the future by trading away key pieces like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. Securing a high draft pick could accelerate Memphis' rebuild far more than chasing a late play-in push.

The details

Morant has not played since a Jan. 21 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and the team confirmed he continues to experience discomfort in his elbow. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, leaving open the possibility that the two-time All-Star may not return this season. The Grizzlies currently hold one of the league's worst records, placing them firmly in the lottery conversation with roughly a 26.3% chance at a Top-4 pick and a 6% chance at the No. 1 overall pick.

  • Morant has not played since a 124-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 21.
  • Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

The players

Ja Morant

A two-time NBA All-Star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who is currently sidelined with a left UCL sprain.

Desmond Bane

A former Grizzlies player who was traded to the Orlando Magic last offseason as Memphis began pivoting toward a rebuild.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A former Grizzlies player who was traded to the Utah Jazz before the February trade deadline as Memphis continued its roster overhaul.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

For a team entering a transitional phase, landing a premium draft prospect could accelerate the rebuild far more than chasing a late play-in push. This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.