Ja Morant Out Two Weeks with UCL Sprain; Caldwell-Pope Set for Finger Surgery

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will remain sidelined for at least 14 days following a Jan. 21 ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks as he continues to rehabilitate a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The injury, sustained on Jan. 21, has limited the 26-year-old to just 20 game appearances throughout the current NBA season. This latest Ja Morant injury update follows a Wednesday announcement from team officials confirming that the two-time All-Star still experiences discomfort despite making progress in his recovery program. The organization has scheduled a formal re-evaluation for the point guard in 14 days to determine his readiness for a return to the court.

Statistical Impact and Roster Changes

Prior to his elbow injury, Morant maintained a statistical line of 19.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per contest. His absence leaves a significant void in the Memphis backcourt, particularly following a busy trade deadline period. While Morant was the subject of various trade rumors over the past month, the Grizzlies front office elected to retain him. Instead, the franchise moved two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. This roster shift places higher pressure on the remaining rotation to compensate for Morant’s production while he remains on the injured list.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Surgery Details

In addition to the news regarding Morant, the Grizzlies announced that veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will undergo surgery this Thursday. The 33-year-old requires the procedure to correct a misalignment of his right pinky finger. Caldwell-Pope has participated in 51 games this season, contributing averages of 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds. Team officials have not yet established a specific return date for the guard, noting that a recovery timeline will only be provided following the completion of the surgical procedure tomorrow.

Memphis Backcourt Depth and Outlook

The Grizzlies must now navigate the next two weeks without their primary playmaker and a key veteran contributor. With Morant sidelined until at least late February, the team will rely on depth pieces to fill the 19.5 points per game lost from the starting lineup. The decision to keep Morant through the trade deadline suggests the organization views him as a long-term cornerstone, despite his limited availability this year. The medical staff's focus remains on alleviating the persistent discomfort in his left elbow before clearing him for full basketball activities. Fans and analysts will look toward the re-evaluation period in early March for further clarity on the guard's status for the remainder of the schedule.