NBA Injury Roundup: Morant Tweaks Ankle, Clarke Nearing Return, Suns Cautious with Green, Pacers Add G League Standout
Grizzlies: Morant’s Ankle Adds to Memphis’ Injury Juggling Act
The Memphis Grizzlies picked up a convincing 18-point win over the Clippers on Monday night, a performance that turned heads - but the victory came with a dose of concern. Late in the fourth quarter, Ja Morant rolled his left ankle on a drive to the basket and exited the game.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo described it as a “tweak” and said Morant will undergo further evaluation. The team is hopeful it’s nothing too serious, but with Morant just recently returning from a calf injury, it’s another hurdle for a Memphis squad that’s been trying to find its footing amid a rotating injury report.
This comes on the heels of rookie center Zach Edey being ruled out for four weeks with an ankle issue of his own. Edey had started to carve out a presence in the paint, so his absence leaves a noticeable void - especially with the frontcourt already thin.
But it’s not all bad news in Memphis. Forward Brandon Clarke, who hasn’t played yet this season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in September, is finally trending in the right direction.
Clarke was upgraded to “doubtful” ahead of Monday’s game before ultimately being ruled out, but there’s optimism he could return as soon as Wednesday when the Grizzlies face the Timberwolves in Minnesota. His return would be a welcome boost for a team that’s had to shuffle lineups on a nightly basis.
Suns: Playing It Safe with Jalen Green
In Phoenix, the Suns are taking a deliberate approach with Jalen Green as he works his way back from a right hamstring strain. Head coach Jordan Ott made it clear - they’re not rushing anything.
Green aggravated the hamstring earlier this season, and the Suns are keeping the long game in mind. Ott noted that Green has made encouraging progress and has started limited on-court activity. While there’s no firm return date, an earlier report suggested he could be back shortly after Christmas.
For a team with postseason aspirations, the Suns are choosing to prioritize Green’s long-term health over short-term gains - a strategy that could pay dividends down the stretch.
Pacers: Gabe McGlothan Gets His Shot
The Indiana Pacers are dipping into their G League pipeline, promoting forward Gabe McGlothan to the main roster on a 10-day contract via a hardship exception.
McGlothan, 26, went undrafted out of Grand Canyon in 2024, but he’s been making noise with the Noblesville Boom, Indiana’s G League affiliate. In 14 games, he’s averaging 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals - numbers that reflect both his motor and versatility.
With multiple rotation players still sidelined, the Pacers continue to qualify for hardship exceptions, and McGlothan will now get his first crack at NBA minutes. It’s a big opportunity for a player who’s worked his way up the hard way - and a chance for Indiana to find some depth during a tough stretch of the season.
Injuries are part of the grind in the NBA, but how teams navigate them - from managing star players like Ja Morant and Jalen Green to finding hidden gems like Gabe McGlothan - often shapes the season in ways we don’t always see coming. For Memphis, Phoenix, and Indiana, the next few weeks will be about staying steady, getting healthy, and making the most of the pieces they’ve got.