Ja Morant's Final Injury Status for Grizzlies vs Hornets

The Memphis Grizzlies are facing significant injury challenges as they approach the 2025-26 NBA season, with three starters yet to participate in preseason games. Key players Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are both injured, compounding the team's difficulties as they aim to compete effectively.

In addition to Morant and Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies are without Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke, creating a major gap in their frontcourt. This has contributed to the team losing all three of their preseason games so far, and they are set to play their fourth game against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night without these players.

Ja Morant sprained his left ankle in practice just before the preseason began and has been sidelined since. He will miss the upcoming game against the Hornets, eliminating a potential high-profile matchup with LaMelo Ball. However, there is optimism that Morant could return in time for the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans in a week.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo reported that both Morant and Jackson Jr. are "progressing very well" and able to do more than a week ago, though Morant remains on a week-to-week recovery plan. Morant has expressed confidence in his return for opening night, reassuring fans not to worry about his injury.

Morant, who has played only 59 games over the past two seasons due to various injuries, is poised for a critical season after the trade of backcourt co-star Desmond Bane. If healthy, he could replicate his 2021-22 performance, which included All-NBA Second Team honors, MVP voting recognition, and Most Improved Player award, which the Grizzlies need to stay competitive in the Western Conference.

The injury-depleted Grizzlies are scheduled to face the Hornets in Greensboro, North Carolina, at First Horizon Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, as they continue to navigate these preseason setbacks.