The Memphis Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant for a minimum of two weeks after the guard sustained a Grade 1 strain in his right calf, the team announced Monday.
Morant was hurt during the first quarter of Saturday’s road defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers and did not return. The club said the injury will keep him out for at least eight games, starting with Tuesday’s nationally televised meeting against the San Antonio Spurs.
The 24-year-old star had already been managing right ankle soreness and, earlier this month, served a one-game team suspension following a halftime dispute with head coach Tuomas Iisalo regarding effort, focus and substitutions. He had since rejoined the starting lineup, though league chatter has linked the Minnesota Timberwolves to potential trade interest.
Now in the third season of a five-year, $197.2 million extension, Morant is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists—his lowest scoring rate since his rookie campaign.
Durability continues to be an issue. The two-time All-Star has not appeared in more than 61 games in any of the past four seasons, missed most of 2023-24 because of suspension and shoulder surgery, and was limited to 50 contests last season.
Including the upcoming absence, Morant could eclipse eight missed games before being re-evaluated. Fellow Memphis guard Ty Jerome remains sidelined by a calf injury of his own.
Source: Hoops Wire
