Grizzlies' Ja Morant Shut Down for Season Due to Elbow Injury

The star guard will need a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid his recovery.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 9:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Memphis Grizzlies have ruled out Ja Morant for the remainder of the season due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow. The team expects Morant to make a full recovery in time for next season after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid the healing process.

Why it matters

Morant, the 2020 Rookie of the Year and 2022 Most Improved Player, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, playing in only 79 games over the last three years. His extended absence is a significant blow to the Grizzlies, who have relied on Morant's high-flying, highlight-filled play to drive their success.

The details

Morant, a 6-foot-2 guard in his seventh NBA season, played in only 20 games this year, averaging 19.5 points per game, his lowest since his second season. He suffered the elbow injury in late January after recently returning from a calf injury that had sidelined him for two weeks.

  • Morant sprained his elbow in late January 2026.
  • Morant had just missed two weeks due to calf soreness before the elbow injury.

The players

Ja Morant

A 26-year-old guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, Morant was the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and has been a key part of the Grizzlies' success, winning Rookie of the Year in 2020 and Most Improved Player in 2022.

Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA team that Ja Morant plays for, based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Grizzlies expect Morant to make a full recovery in time for the 2026-27 NBA season.

The takeaway

Morant's extended absence due to injury is a significant setback for the Grizzlies, who have relied on his dynamic, highlight-reel play to drive their success in recent seasons. The team will need to find ways to remain competitive without their star guard as they look ahead to his return next year.