Ja Morant is out at least 3 weeks after spraining his UCL

Memphis Grizzlies it will be without a star guard I Morant in due course after the organization announced Saturday that it he is expected to miss at least three weeks with an injury to the left elbow.

The Grizzlies confirmed the following diagnosis Morant’s absence in Friday night’s 133-127 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. In a statement issued by the team, Memphis detailed the nature and timeline of the injury.

“The Memphis Grizzlies today released the following medical information for Ja Morant,” the statement read. “Morant suffered a sprained UCL in his left elbow during the team’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 21. He is expected to make a full recovery and be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks. Further updates will be provided as needed.”

Morant’s injury represents another setback in a turbulent season for both the player and the franchise. The 25-year-old guard has been limited to 20 games this season, and injuries and layoffs have prevented him from establishing a consistent rhythm. Through those appearances, Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds and a steal per game while shooting 41 percent from the field. His 23.5 percent three-point shooting marks a career low, though he has made a career-high 89.7 percent free throws in 28.3 minutes per contest.

Ja Morant’s injury adds to the uncertainty as the trade deadline approaches for the Grizzlies

The timing of Morant’s injury coincides with increased trade speculation surrounding Memphis as the February 5 deadline approaches. League reports in recent weeks indicate that rival teams are closely watching the Grizzlies’ direction, with Morant’s long-term status a central variable. While Memphis has consistently maintained publicly that Morant remains a cornerstone of the franchise, his health and availability continue to factor into the broader conversation around the league.

Memphis enters Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets with a record of 18-25, ranked 12th in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies have dropped two straight and will play Denver (31-15) at 3:30 pm ET as they try to stabilize a season marked by inconsistency.

Morant’s absence puts additional pressure on Memphis’ remaining backcourt rotation while also raising questions about how the team will fare in the coming weeks. With a re-evaluation expected in about three weeks, the deadline for his return could overlap with the immediate post-deadline period, further complicating decision-making for a franchise that strives for both short-term competitiveness and long-term clarity.

For now, the Grizzlies will continue without their All-Star guard, focusing on overcoming an injury stretch while outside speculation continues to surround one of the league’s most dynamic players.