After falling 131-114 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up for a rematch on their home floor. But they’ll be doing it without Ja Morant-again.
Morant, sidelined with an elbow injury, missed the previous game and is officially ruled out for tonight’s contest as well. That’s a tough blow for a Grizzlies team already navigating a season full of adversity. With Morant out, Memphis will need to lean even harder on its depth, but the rotation is already stretched thin, with multiple key players dealing with injuries of their own.
Despite the loss, Memphis showed flashes of resilience in the last meeting. The effort was there, but Minnesota’s chemistry and the all-around play of Anthony Edwards proved too much to overcome. Edwards continues to evolve into one of the league’s most dynamic young stars, and his impact on both ends of the floor was a clear separator in that game.
For the Grizzlies, the challenge now is twofold: stay competitive on the court without their franchise centerpiece and manage the off-court noise surrounding Morant. Trade rumors have started to swirl, but Morant didn’t hesitate to reaffirm his commitment to Memphis.
“If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said. “I got a [Grizzlies] logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.”
That’s a powerful statement from a player who’s been through a lot lately. Morant’s season has been a rollercoaster-returning from a right calf injury only to be sidelined again, this time by the elbow issue. It’s been a frustrating stretch for a player who thrives on rhythm and explosiveness, and this latest setback has once again put the brakes on his momentum.
Still, Morant’s mindset hasn’t wavered. His loyalty to the Grizzlies remains clear, and that kind of leadership-vocal, visible, and grounded-matters in a locker room trying to find its footing.
With Morant out, Memphis will need big minutes from its supporting cast. That means more responsibility for Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and the rest of the rotation. The Timberwolves bring size, speed, and cohesion, so the Grizzlies will need to match that with energy, execution, and a little grit-something Memphis has never lacked.
It won’t be easy, but this is the kind of test that can shape a team’s identity. For the Grizzlies, the mission is clear: weather the storm, stay competitive, and hold the line until their star can return.