Memphis Grizzlies fans have had their fair share of nail-biting moments over the past few seasons, but nothing quite stirs up anxiety like their star guard Ja Morant picking up an injury just weeks before the NBA season tips off. As the Grizzlies gear up for what’s shaping up to be a pivotal 2025-26 campaign, all eyes are on Morant’s left ankle—and, more importantly, his upbeat attitude in the face of adversity.
It all started on Sunday, October 5, when Morant suffered a sprained left ankle during a Memphis Grizzlies practice. The incident sent a ripple of concern through the team’s fanbase and the broader NBA community, especially with the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans looming large on October 22. The team promptly listed Morant as week-to-week, a phrase that often carries an ominous undertone in professional sports. Yet, if you ask Morant, there’s simply no cause for panic.
“They just be tweakin’,” Morant said with a grin to reporters on October 9, addressing the mounting concern about his status for opening night. “Panicking. Nothing to be crazy about. If I’m smiling and I ain’t telling you to worry, you ain’t got to worry.” According to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal, Morant’s confidence was plain as day, and he made sure fans knew he wasn’t losing any sleep over his recovery timeline. The message? Don’t count him out just yet.
Morant’s optimism comes as a relief, especially since he has already missed the first two preseason games. The Grizzlies’ medical staff has maintained the week-to-week designation, leaving the door open for a potential return before the regular season begins. Memphis still has three more preseason contests—October 11, 15, and 17—giving Morant a window to test his ankle, though nothing is being rushed. The team is taking a cautious approach, balancing the desire to have their star ready for the opener with the need to avoid aggravating the injury.
The injury bug hasn’t stopped with Morant. The Grizzlies are also without two other projected starters: Jaren Jackson Jr. is recovering from right turf toe and Zach Edey is sidelined with a left ankle issue. Edey, who was given a 6-9 week recovery timeline on September 26, has already been ruled out for the season opener. Jackson Jr., meanwhile, was handed a 4-6 week estimate and remains a game-time decision for opening night. The trio’s absence has left Memphis looking vulnerable in the preseason, and the team’s chemistry is a work in progress.
For Morant, the 2025-26 season represents more than just another shot at playoff contention. The last two years have been tumultuous, with injuries and a suspension limiting him to just 59 games. It’s a far cry from the electric presence he brought to the court when he earned All-NBA Second Team honors. Morant made it clear during media day that his goal is to play all 82 games this season—a feat he has yet to achieve in his six-year NBA career. “If I’m smiling and telling you you ain’t gotta worry, you don’t gotta worry,” he reiterated, reinforcing his determination to silence the doubters and lead by example.
The stakes are even higher following the departure of Desmond Bane, a key contributor who left big shoes to fill. Morant now shoulders even greater responsibility, not just as the team’s primary playmaker and scorer, but as the emotional anchor for a roster brimming with young, hungry talent. The pressure is on, but Morant seems unfazed. That’s the attitude Memphis needs if they hope to compete in a loaded Western Conference where every game counts.
While the focus remains on Morant’s health, the Grizzlies haven’t lost sight of their commitment to the Memphis community. On October 9, Morant joined teammates Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Javon Small, and other members of the organization at the Bernal E. Smith Sr. Boys & Girls Club to unveil the Memphis Grizzlies Dream Court. The event, presented by FedEx, is part of a broader initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by promoting equality, unity, and empowerment through sports.
Morant, who grew up playing basketball in the backyard of his Dalzell, South Carolina, home and at the local Boys & Girls Club, understands firsthand the importance of giving back. “It’s a lot better than my court in my backyard,” Morant joked, reflecting on the new Dream Court and its potential to inspire the next generation. “Hopefully we get some more NBA players out of here.”
But the real highlight of the day came when Grizzlies TV analyst Brevin Knight announced that Morant had a special surprise for the kids and staff. With a flourish, Morant unveiled 100 shoe boxes—each containing a pair of his signature sneakers—for the Boys & Girls Club members. The gesture drew cheers and excitement, but for Morant, the real reward was the impact he could make. “Me having an opportunity to come out here and put a smile on kids’ faces, making them remember a moment that they’ll remember for their lives is definitely important,” he said, echoing his commitment to being a role model on and off the court.
As the preseason winds down, the Grizzlies face a crucial stretch. The absence of Morant, Jackson Jr., and Edey has exposed some growing pains, but it’s also given young players a chance to step up and prove themselves. The coaching staff is using every available minute to experiment with lineups and prepare for the unpredictable grind of the NBA season. With the opener against the Pelicans just around the corner, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Morant will be ready to lead the charge.
For now, the answer remains tantalizingly out of reach. Morant’s week-to-week status means fans will have to keep a close eye on team updates as the preseason wraps up. But if his words and demeanor are any indication, the Grizzlies’ star guard is itching to get back on the court and remind everyone why he’s the face of Memphis basketball.
One thing’s for sure: Ja Morant’s resilience and positivity are keeping hope alive in the Bluff City. As the countdown to opening night continues, the Grizzlies—and their fans—are holding their breath, trusting that their leader will be ready when the lights shine brightest.
