Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half of NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in London. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Ja Morant will not play when the Memphis Grizzlies visit the New Orleans Pelicans on January 30, 2026. He is out with a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.This is not a last-minute call. The team has already ruled him out and does not expect him back until around the middle of February. Memphis will go into the game knowing its starting point guard will not be available.Morant’s injury happened during a practice scrimmage earlier in the week. After tests, the team decided he needs several weeks of rest instead of trying to return quickly.
Ja Morant’s injury report vs the New Orleans Pelicans (January 30, 2026)
Ja Morant had just come back from a right calf contusion that kept him out for six games earlier in January. In his first two games back, he played well. He put up 24 points and 13 assists in a game in London against the Orlando Magic. He then had 23 points and 12 assists in a close loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Soon after, the elbow injury stopped that run.He has now missed 25 of Memphis’ 45 games this season, and this new absence will add more to that total.
Memphis Grizzlies dealing with games without Morant
The Memphis Grizzlies are taking a cautious approach. They want the ligament to heal fully before Morant returns. That means no short-term fixes or rushed comeback. This protects him from a worse injury but leaves the team without its main creator for several more games.
Changes to the Grizzlies rotation
Without Ja Morant, coach Taylor Jenkins has to spread the ball-handling work around. More responsibility will fall on Tyus Jones, Jaylen Wells, and Desmond Bane. They will need to create shots and keep the offense organized.Depth is also an issue. Santi Aldama is out with a knee problem, Brandon Clarke has a calf injury, Zach Edey is sidelined with an ankle stress reaction, and Scotty Pippen Jr. is recovering from toe surgery. Because of that, Memphis is likely to play slower and rely more on set plays and defense.
What to expect in the New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies game (January 30, 2026)
Ja Morant usually creates easy points by attacking the rim and pushing the pace. Without him, Memphis will find it harder to get quick baskets. On the road, that means the margin for mistakes is small. The Grizzlies will need to take care of the ball and make open shots to stay in the game.New Orleans has been inconsistent this season, so the matchup may be low scoring and decided in the half court.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Fantasy impact (January 30, 2026)
In fantasy leagues, Morant being out shifts value to other Memphis guards. Jones is the safest option for assists and steady minutes. Bane has the best chance to lead the team in scoring. Wells could see extra run, though his production may vary from game to game. None of them will match Morant’s overall output, but all should see more touches.
Ja Morant’s absence impacting the betting scene
Oddsmakers are likely to lean slightly toward New Orleans because Memphis Grizzlies is missing its top guard. At the same time, Ja Morant’s absence could slow the game down. A lower total score is more likely than a fast, high-scoring contest.Also read: Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 30, 2026)Morant remains out with a left elbow UCL sprain and is not expected back until mid-February. Memphis will have to manage without its star guard again, using a committee approach in the backcourt and leaning on defense to stay competitive against New Orleans.