Ja Morant (Matthew Smith-Imagn Images ) Ja Morant will not play tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Memphis Grizzlies have ruled him out for the January 23, 2026 game after he was diagnosed with a left elbow UCL sprain. It is another interruption in a season that has struggled to gain any real flow.Morant had just returned to the lineup and looked comfortable again, giving Memphis a much-needed lift. That momentum is gone for now. The Grizzlies are once again adjusting without their lead guard as they prepare to face a Pelicans team dealing with its own roster issues.
How Ja Morant’s Injury Happened
Ja Morant injured his elbow during Wednesday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He crashed into the backboard while attempting a chase-down block and immediately showed discomfort. After the game, he suggested it was similar to hitting his funny bone and stayed on the floor, finishing with 23 points and 12 assists.Further tests revealed a UCL sprain in his left elbow. Memphis shut him down shortly after. The timing is rough. Morant had missed six games with a right calf contusion and had only played two games since returning.He is officially listed as out for the 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off at FedExForum. While an expected return date of January 25 has been mentioned, elbow injuries can be unpredictable, and there is no firm timeline.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report vs the Brooklyn Nets (January 23, 2026)
Memphis Grizzlies enter the game with several players unavailable, leaving the rotation thin once again.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
• Santi Aldama – right knee soreness (Out) • Brandon Clarke – right calf strain (Out) • Zach Edey – left ankle stress reaction (Out) • Ty Jerome – right calf strain (Out) • Scotty Pippen Jr. – left great toe surgery (Out)At 18-24, the Grizzlies are searching for consistency. With Morant sidelined, the offense will run through Jaren Jackson Jr., who will be asked to carry a larger load on both ends of the floor.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans arrive in Memphis on a three-game losing streak and is dealing with multiple absences.Pelicans Injury Report • Dejounte Murray – right Achilles rupture (Out) • Jose Alvarado – left oblique strain (Out) • Herbert Jones – right ankle sprain (Questionable)Zion Williamson is listed as day-to-day due to illness. His availability will likely be a late decision and could swing the matchup if he plays.
What to Expect in Tonight’s Memphis Grizzlies vs Brooklyn Nets Game (January 23, 2026)
Without Ja Morant, Memphis is likely to rely more on defense, half-court execution, and contributions from its bench. Jock Landale, who recorded a double-double against Atlanta, could see extended minutes again.Also read: Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight vs the Brooklyn Nets? Latest update on the Boston Celtics star’s injury report (January 23, 2026)The Pelicans are slight underdogs, but the season series has been close. Memphis leads 2-0, though both games were decided by narrow margins. For the Grizzlies, it is another night of adjusting without their star. For Morant, it is another pause in a season that has yet to find stability.