Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant looks on from the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Ja Morant will not play tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Memphis Grizzlies have ruled him out with a left-elbow ulnar collateral ligament sprain, and the current expectation is that he will remain out until around mid-February 2026.His absence leaves Memphis without its main ball handler and scorer. The team will have to adjust on both ends of the floor, and there is no indication that his status will change before tip-off.
Ja Morant injury status for Minnesota Timberwolves game (January 31, 2026)
The NBA injury report for January 31 lists Ja Morant as “Out” with a left-elbow UCL sprain. Memphis is not planning to activate him late and is focused on giving the injury time to heal.Player Status Injury Expected ReturnJa Morant Out Left-elbow UCL sprain Around mid-February 2026The team chose rest and rehab instead of trying to bring him back early to avoid making the injury worse.
How the injury happened
Ja Morant suffered the sprain during a practice scrimmage earlier in January. After medical tests, the Grizzlies decided he needed several weeks off.The injury followed a right calf contusion that had already forced him to miss six games earlier in the month. Memphis Grizzlies has taken a careful approach with him after several injury interruptions in recent seasons.
What it means for Memphis Grizzlies
With Ja Morant out, Memphis Grizzlies will lean more on Jaren Jackson Jr. for scoring. Ball-handling duties will be shared by Tyus Jones, Kennedy Chandler, and the rest of the guard group.The Grizzlies may play at a slower pace than usual. Morant often pushes the ball in transition and attacks the rim, and those chances are harder to create without him. Minnesota is comfortable playing in the half court with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley, which could make scoring more difficult for Memphis.
Fantasy and betting outlook
Ja Morant should be kept out of fantasy lineups for this game. His absence increases opportunities for Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Memphis guards, but the offense may not be as productive overall.Minnesota gains an edge with Morant unavailable. The matchup could be more controlled and lower scoring than games where he is on the floor.
Focus on the long term
Memphis is clearly prioritizing Morant’s health and wants him ready for the later part of the season. That approach may cost the team in the short term, but it reduces the risk of a longer absence.Also read: Is Anthony Edwards playing tonight vs Memphis Grizzlies? Latest update on the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s injury report (January 31, 2026)For now, the Grizzlies will face the Timberwolves without their starting guard and adjust their plan accordingly.