The Memphis Grizzlies just took another hit to an already injury-riddled season. Forward Brandon Clarke, who had only recently returned to action, is now sidelined again-this time with a right calf strain suffered against the Washington Wizards. It’s a tough blow for a team that’s been trying to regain its footing after a rocky start to the year.
Clarke, a 6-foot-8 energy big known for his hustle and defensive versatility, had missed the first 26 games of the 2025-26 season recovering from a knee injury. He managed to suit up for just two games before this latest setback, and now he’s expected to be out for at least three weeks, possibly longer depending on how his calf responds to treatment.
This isn’t just a minor depth issue-it’s part of a larger trend that’s been haunting Memphis all season. Injuries have hit the Grizzlies hard, particularly in the frontcourt.
Starting center Zach Edey has been in and out of the lineup as he works his way back from offseason ankle surgery. With Clarke now unavailable again, the Grizzlies are scrambling to keep their rotation intact.
To help patch the hole, Memphis has signed former Lakers big man Christian Koloko to a 10-day contract. He’s expected to provide some immediate size and rim protection, especially with the team leaning into smaller lineups in Clarke’s absence. One of those adjustments has been using forward Santi Aldama at the five-an experiment that has shown flashes but still leaves questions about long-term viability, especially against more physical frontcourts.
Despite the adversity, the Grizzlies have been quietly turning things around. They’ve gone 7-3 over their last 10 games and are sitting at 13-15-not exactly where they want to be, but considering the circumstances, it’s a sign of resilience.
A big reason for that has been the play of Jaren Jackson Jr., who was recently named Player of the Week. He’s stepping into a leadership role and showing signs that he could be the franchise cornerstone moving forward.
But Jackson’s rise also puts a spotlight on the future of Ja Morant. The star guard has been dealing with his own injury issues and, reportedly, some tension with new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. There’s been some chatter around the league that Morant could be available in trade talks if the right offer comes along, but for now, he appears committed to staying in Memphis and doing what he can to help the team win.
The Grizzlies are in a transitional phase-balancing development, injuries, and internal dynamics while trying to stay competitive in a deep Western Conference. Clarke’s absence will be felt, especially on the defensive end and in transition, where his energy has always been a spark. But if Jackson continues to rise, if Morant finds his rhythm, and if the team can stay relatively healthy moving forward, Memphis still has the pieces to make some noise this season.
For now, it’s next man up. And in Memphis, that mentality might just be what keeps their season alive.