The Memphis Grizzlies could be getting a major boost just in time for their international finale in London. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo offered some optimism Saturday, saying there’s “a good possibility” Ja Morant will be back on the court Sunday when Memphis takes on the Orlando Magic.
Morant has been sidelined for the last six games with a calf contusion, but he went through a full practice on Saturday - and not just jogging through drills. According to Iisalo, Morant was able to go full speed for stretches, a strong sign that the star guard is trending toward a return.
The Grizzlies (17-23) are wrapping up a two-game international swing, having already faced the Magic earlier this week in Berlin. That first matchup didn’t go Memphis’ way - they let a 20-point lead slip through their fingers in a 118-111 loss, with Morant watching from the sideline. His absence was felt, especially in the second half when the offense struggled to find rhythm and direction.
A return on Sunday would mark Morant’s first appearance since January 2, when he put up 16 points, 11 assists, three rebounds, and two steals in a loss to the Lakers. It wasn’t his sharpest shooting night - 7-of-18 from the field - but he did knock down two of his three attempts from deep and logged 31 minutes, showing his usual playmaking flair.
Grizzlies coach Tuolas Iisalo tells @talkSPORT “there’s a good possibility” that Ja Morant plays Sunday in London after missing the past six games with a calf contusion.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 17, 2026
Said Iisalo: “He went through the whole practice today. He was able to go even full speed (for) periods." https://t.co/Gezd9ad5Lw
This season, Morant’s numbers have taken a dip compared to his usual production. He’s averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game over 18 appearances.
His shooting has been inconsistent - just 40.1% from the field and a career-low 20.8% from three - but he’s been rock-solid at the free-throw line, hitting a career-best 90%. It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for both Morant and the Grizzlies, with injuries, trade chatter, and a lack of continuity keeping the team from finding its stride.
Still, Morant remains the centerpiece of Memphis’ long-term vision. As the trade deadline looms, there’s been plenty of outside noise about the team’s direction, but the organization has continued to back its franchise guard. Getting him back on the floor - especially in a high-profile international setting - would be a step toward stabilizing a season that’s been anything but steady.
The Grizzlies plan to monitor how Morant responds to Saturday’s workload before making the final call on his status. Tipoff is set for noon ET, streaming on Prime Video in the UK. If Morant is cleared, it could be just the spark Memphis needs to close out their overseas trip on a high note.