Ja Morant, the electrifying Ja Morant and team captain of the Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Club, has been ruled out indefinitely with a right calf strain, throwing the team’s season into uncertainty. The injury, confirmed by the NBA’s official injury report updated at 8:30 PM ET on November 20, 2025, comes after Morant missed his second straight game — a 112-108 loss to the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum in Memphis. The Grizzlies won’t say when he’ll return, but a two-week reevaluation timeline, as reported by the Commercial Appeal, means he’ll likely miss at least six to eight games — potentially including a high-stakes matchup against the San Antonio Spurs Basketball Club on November 21. This isn’t just another injury. It’s the third major absence for Morant this season alone, and it’s hitting a team already reeling from a cascade of setbacks.
The Grizzlies Are Losing Their Heart
Before this injury, Morant was averaging 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game — numbers that made him the engine of one of the NBA’s most dynamic offenses. His ability to push pace, attack the rim, and create for others turned Memphis into a playoff contender. Now, without him, the Grizzlies are scrambling. Coach Taylor Robert Jenkins has no easy answers. The offense slows. The spacing collapses. The energy drains. And it’s not just Morant. The Grizzlies’ injury report reads like a nightmare: Brandon Clarke (right knee surgery recovery), Ty Jerome (right calf strain), Scotty Pippen Jr. (left toe surgery recovery), and Javon Small (left toe, turf toe) are all out. Even Jaren Jackson Jr., their All-Defensive forward, is listed as doubtful with a right ankle sprain. That’s five players out, one questionable. This isn’t a minor setback — it’s a systemic collapse.What’s the Timeline? And Why Does It Matter?
The two-week reevaluation window, mentioned in the Commercial Appeal and echoed by Sports Illustrated, suggests Morant won’t return before December 4, 2025. That’s a minimum of six games — possibly more if the strain lingers. The Grizzlies’ schedule includes games against the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets in that window — all tough matchups. But here’s the twist: even if Morant returns in early December, he’ll need time to regain rhythm. NBA players don’t snap back from calf strains like flipping a switch. It’s not just about pain. It’s about explosiveness, change of direction, and trust in the muscle. Morant’s game is built on bursts. If he’s hesitant? He’s not Ja Morant.
How the Grizzlies Are Trying to Cope
Jenkins has turned to the bench. Desmond Bane, who’s been quietly excellent, is now the de facto lead guard. Rookie Ziaire Williams is getting more minutes. Xavier Tillman is playing bigger. But none of them can replicate Morant’s gravity. Defenses collapse on him — that’s why the rest of the team thrives. Without that pull, the offense becomes predictable. The ball sticks. Shots get contested. Turnovers rise. In their last two games without Morant, the Grizzlies averaged just 104.5 points — 11.7 below their season average. Their assist-to-turnover ratio dropped from 1.8 to 1.1. That’s not just bad basketball. That’s losing identity.History Repeats — Again
This isn’t Morant’s first major disruption. In March 2025, he was suspended for 25 games after a gun incident on social media. Then, in October, he missed 12 games with a right knee contusion. Now, a calf strain. The pattern is alarming. Is it bad luck? Or is it the cost of playing with such explosive, high-risk style? Morant’s athleticism is his superpower — but also his vulnerability. He drives into traffic like a NASCAR driver on a dirt track. He lands hard. He twists. He pushes his body beyond limits. And the Grizzlies, desperate to win now, haven’t adjusted his minutes or workload enough to protect him. The front office signed him to a $194 million extension in July 2022 — a bet on his ceiling. But right now, they’re betting on a player who can’t stay on the floor.
What’s Next for Memphis?
The Grizzlies face a brutal stretch. With Morant out, they’re no longer playoff favorites — they’re fighting to stay above .500. The team’s medical staff will need to overhaul their load management. Jenkins must simplify the offense — more pick-and-roll with Bane, more post-ups with Jackson Jr., fewer isolation plays. The front office might consider a trade for a veteran guard before the deadline. But with limited cap space and Morant’s injury history, finding a true replacement is near impossible. Meanwhile, fans are watching. And wondering: Is this the end of the Grizzlies’ window? Or just another chapter in a turbulent story?Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ja Morant expected to miss, and what’s the risk of re-injury?
Morant is expected to be reevaluated in two weeks, meaning he’ll miss at least six to eight games, likely returning no earlier than December 4, 2025. Calf strains carry a high re-injury risk — especially for explosive guards like Morant. Studies show up to 30% of NBA players with similar strains suffer a recurrence within the same season if they return too soon. The Grizzlies can’t afford another setback.
Who will take over as the primary playmaker in Morant’s absence?
Desmond Bane has stepped into the primary playmaking role, averaging 6.8 assists over the last two games — up from his season average of 4.2. Rookie Ziaire Williams and veteran De’Anthony Melton are also seeing increased minutes, but neither has Morant’s court vision or penetration threat. The offense has become more isolation-heavy and less fluid, leading to a 15% drop in assist rate.
How does this injury affect the Grizzlies’ playoff chances?
Before the injury, Memphis was 11-6 and in the top 6 of the Western Conference. With Morant and four other key players out, their win probability drops by an estimated 40% over the next two weeks. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index now gives them just a 52% chance of making the playoffs — down from 84% a week ago. A losing streak could push them into the play-in tournament, where they’d be vulnerable.
Why hasn’t the team managed Morant’s minutes better?
Morant averaged 34.1 minutes per game last season — among the highest for point guards. Despite his injury history, the Grizzlies have consistently prioritized wins over rest, especially in close games. He played 39 minutes in his last game before the calf strain. Critics argue the front office and coaching staff ignored warning signs — including his fatigue in November — in pursuit of short-term success.
Could this injury impact Morant’s future contract or trade value?
Morant’s $194 million extension runs through 2027, so a trade is unlikely. But recurring injuries could affect his market value beyond that. If he misses 20+ games this season, teams might hesitate to offer max deals in 2027. His defensive rating has already slipped, and his athleticism isn’t what it was pre-2024. This injury isn’t just about now — it’s about his legacy.
Is this part of a larger trend among young NBA guards?
Yes. Young guards like LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, and Cade Cunningham have all missed significant time with lower-body injuries in recent seasons. The league’s pace and physicality have increased, and smaller guards are absorbing more contact. Teams are now rethinking how they train, rest, and protect these players — but Memphis, for now, seems to be lagging behind.