The Memphis Grizzlies will face the Portland Trail Blazers without their star point guard Ja Morant on February 6, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland. Morant is sidelined due to a left elbow injury involving a UCL sprain, marking a significant setback as the Grizzlies adjust to roster changes following recent trades.
Overview of Ja Morant’s Injury and Season Status
<pJa Morant’s 2025-26 NBA season has been marked by inconsistency as injuries have limited his presence on the court. The 26-year-old guard has appeared in only 20 games, missing 23 due to various health setbacks including calf and ankle problems earlier this year. Currently, Morant is out of tonight’s game against Portland as he manages a left elbow UCL sprain.
Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game this season, numbers that lag behind his career averages of 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. His absence deepens the challenges for Memphis amid a team transition triggered by the recent trade of Jaren Jackson Jr.
“Ja Morant remained with the Memphis Grizzlies past today’s NBA trade deadline. Multiple teams were intrigued by Morant’s talent but none were willing to make a serious offer, sources said.” — Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Ja Morant’s durability remains a concern, as he has missed 178 games in six seasons since his 2018 debut. This history factored into trade discussions earlier this month, where Memphis ultimately retained Morant after no serious offers matched the franchise’s valuation of their star.
Injury Reports: Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers Ahead of Game
Despite these setbacks, the Grizzlies enter Thursday’s game on a two-game winning streak and remain favored to win, even without Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, Memphis faces significant injury challenges with multiple players unavailable.
Memphis coach Jukka Lisalo, the NBA’s first Finnish-born head coach, has steered the team through a heavy injury list. Alongside Morant’s UCL sprain, Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke are both sidelined with right knee injuries, while Zach Edey is out due to a left ankle injury. Jerome Ty is also listed as out with a right calf strain.
Veteran guard Eric Gordon, recently acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, will also miss the game as he continues to recover despite joining the team. Additionally, Scotty Pippen Jr. is questionable but expected to remain out as he recovers from left great toe surgery, aiming for a return in the upcoming weeks.
The Trail Blazers face their own injury hurdles. Long-term absence Damian Lillard remains sidelined due to a season-ending Achilles tear suffered last year. Kris Murray will be out with a lumbar strain, and Matisse Thybulle misses the game with a right knee issue. Deni Avdija is questionable with a low back strain but could play in the rematch scheduled for Saturday.
Scoot Henderson is probable for Portland despite recently recovering from a left hamstring tear. Portland looks to break their current losing streak with key contributions expected from veterans Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe, while Jerami Grant and bench player Sidy Cissoko continue to step up in the absence of Avdija.
Projected Starting Lineups for Thursday Night’s Matchup
Memphis will rely on emerging leaders to compensate for Morant’s absence. Players like Cam Spencer, GG Jackson II, and Jaylen Wells are expected to carry much of the offensive load. New additions from the blockbuster trade involving Jaren Jackson Jr., including Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, and Kyle Anderson, may also make their debuts, providing fresh options for head coach Lisalo.
For Portland, the home team will look toward veterans Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe as key offensive contributors. Jerami Grant and Sidy Cissoko are anticipated to play major roles, especially if Deni Avdija is unable to suit up. The Trail Blazers will be eager to deliver a strong performance in front of their passionate home fans, breaking their recent streak of defeats.
Looking Ahead: Implications of Morant’s Injury for Memphis
Ja Morant’s absence tonight underscores the continuing challenges faced by the Memphis Grizzlies as they navigate a roster upheaval and injury-plagued season. Maintaining momentum without their franchise leader will require strong performances from secondary players and new trade acquisitions. The team’s ability to adapt quickly may shape their playoff prospects and approach for the remainder of the season.
As Morant works toward recovery, Memphis will monitor his progress carefully, balancing the urgency of the upcoming schedule with long-term health considerations. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how the Grizzlies manage this critical stretch and whether Morant can return to form in time to influence their postseason aspirations.
Ja Morant remained with the Memphis Grizzlies past today's NBA trade deadline. Multiple teams were intrigued by Morant's talent but none were willing to make a serious offer, sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
