Grizzlies Star Guard Morant Injured Ahead of Season Opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant is week to week due to a sprained left ankle he sustained during practice on Sunday, a team spokesperson confirmed.

This injury adds to the team’s woes as they now have three starters recovering from injuries that could keep them out for the start of the regular season. Center Steven Adams underwent surgery in June for an issue related to laxity in his left ankle. He is not expected to return until mid-to-late November.

Power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. also faces uncertainty. He had surgery to repair a turf toe injury in July. The Grizzlies announced a four to six-week timetable for Jackson’s return, which puts his availability in question for the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 22.

Morant, a two-time All-Star, has had a challenging past two seasons. He played only 59 games in that span, suffering a season-ending torn labrum in January 2024 after playing just nine games post a 25-game suspension at the start of that season. Despite these challenges, last season Morant averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game.