Memphis coach says “there’s a good possibility” Ja Morant plays in London

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo offered an encouraging update Saturday about the status I Morantsaying there is a “good possibility” the star quarterback will return to action on Sunday Memphis faces the Orlando Magic in London.

The Grizzlies (17-23) will take on the Magic (23-18) at 12:00 PM ET on Prime Video in the United Kingdom, marking Memphis’ second international game of the week. Morant has missed the last six games with a calf injury, but Iisalo showed improvement after Saturday’s practice.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Iisalo said there was a “good possibility” Morant could play on Sunday after completing a full training session.

“He went through the whole practice today,” Iisalo said. “He was able to even go full speed (for) periods.

Morant was sent off for Lost Thursday 118-111 to Orlando in Berlin, Germanya game in which Memphis blew a 20-point lead. His potential return would provide a boost to a Grizzlies team that has struggled for consistency during a season riddled with injuries and rumors.

Grizzlies coach Tuolas Iisalo says @talkSPORT “There’s a good chance” Ja Morant will play Sunday in London after missing the last six games with a calf injury.

Iisalo said: “He went through the whole practice today. He was able to even go full speed (for) periods.” https://t.co/Gezd9ad5Lv

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 17, 2026

Ja Morant’s availability is greater than the Grizzlies-Magic London matchup

The 26-year-old last appeared on Jan. 2 in a 128-121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. In that contest, Morant had 16 points, 11 assists, three rebounds and two steals while shooting 7-for-18 from the field and 2-for-3 from three-point range in 31 minutes.

For the season, Morant is averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 18 games. His scoring average is his lowest since 2020-21, while his 40.1 percent shooting from the field and a career-low 20.8 percent from three represent an uneven offensive year. He is shooting a career-high 90 percent from the free throw line while playing 28.3 minutes per game.

Morant’s availability comes amid ongoing trade speculation surrounding the direction of the Grizzlies as the deadline approaches. While Memphis has continued to publicly position Morant as the centerpiece, his health and performance have remained the focus during a season that has yet to gain momentum.

Sunday’s match in London will cap Memphis’ two-game international stretch and could mark Morant’s first appearance since early January. The Grizzlies are expected to evaluate his response to Saturday’s workload before making a final decision before tipoff.