Ja Morant is currently the biggest question mark in the NBA. If you’re checking your fantasy lineup or looking for a reason to tune into the Memphis Grizzlies' international road trip, you probably want to know one thing. Is Ja Morant playing tonight? The short answer is no. Not tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026. But there is a massive "but" attached to that.
The Grizzlies are currently in the middle of a high-profile European series against the Orlando Magic. They just finished playing in Berlin and are now heading to London for a rematch. Because today is a travel and practice day between those two international cities, there is no game on the schedule for tonight. However, the update on Morant's health is the real story everyone is tracking.
The Latest Ja Morant Injury Update
Morant has been officially ruled out of several consecutive games due to a right calf contusion. This isn't just a minor bruise. It’s a nagging issue that has kept him off the floor since early January. In fact, he hasn't suited up for game action since January 2.
Honestly, the situation is a bit of a rollercoaster. He traveled with the team to Europe, which usually signals a player is close to returning. You don't put a guy on a trans-Atlantic flight just to have him sit on the end of the bench if he's weeks away from playing.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo has been relatively transparent but cautious. He confirmed that Morant practiced this past Tuesday. That’s a huge hurdle cleared. Despite that progress, the medical staff held him out of the Berlin game on Thursday. Commissioner Adam Silver even weighed in, expressing disappointment that the global superstar couldn't play in Germany but holding out "tremendous hope" for the London game.
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When will he actually play?
The target date is tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The Grizzlies are scheduled to play the Magic at the O2 Arena in London. This is the game the NBA has circled in red. As of Saturday morning, Morant is officially listed as day-to-day. The team is expected to release a definitive status update later today or early tomorrow morning.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies are Being So Careful
You have to look at the context here. This isn't just about a calf. The Grizzlies are currently sitting 10th in the Western Conference with a 17-22 record. They are seven games out of the sixth seed. Usually, a team in that position would be rushing their star back to save the season.
But there’s a lot of noise in the background.
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- The Injury History: Morant already missed 10 games earlier this season with a similar calf issue. Re-aggravating it now could effectively end his season.
- Trade Rumors: This is the part that has fans buzzing. Shams Charania of ESPN recently reported that the Grizzlies are actually listening to trade offers for Morant. That was unthinkable a year ago.
- Asset Protection: If the front office is serious about moving him before the February 5 trade deadline, they cannot afford for him to look "broken" on the court.
It’s a weird vibe in Memphis right now. Morant is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists, which are great numbers for most humans, but his shooting percentages are at career lows. He’s making roughly $39.4 million this year. If the team is going to pivot toward a rebuild around Jaren Jackson Jr. and their younger core, Morant’s health is their biggest bargaining chip.
How the Grizzlies Look Without Him
Life without Ja has been rough. The team is 6-12 in games he has played this year, which tells you he wasn't exactly a magic fix even when healthy. Without him, the offense often looks stagnant.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has had to carry an enormous load. He’s averaging nearly 19 points and remains a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but he can't initiate the offense like a true point guard. With Scotty Pippen Jr. out following toe surgery and Ty Jerome sidelined with his own calf strain, the backcourt is incredibly thin.
We’ve seen a lot more of Cam Spencer and GG Jackson lately. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, but they aren't ready to lead a playoff push in the loaded West. If Morant doesn't suit up in London, expect the Magic—led by Paolo Banchero and former Grizzly Desmond Bane—to have a significant advantage again.
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What to Watch For Next
The next 24 hours are critical. If the Grizzlies announce Morant is "Out" for the London game tonight, the trade sirens are going to get much louder. If he’s "Questionable" or "Probable," it means the medical staff finally feels the calf can handle the explosive lateral movements that make Ja who he is.
Next Steps for Fans and Bettors:
- Monitor the Saturday Evening Report: The NBA requires teams to update injury reports by 5:00 PM local time the day before a game. Since they are in London, keep an eye on the afternoon updates (EST).
- Check Practice Footage: Look for clips of Morant during the London shootaround. If he’s dunking and moving without a wrap on that right leg, he’s likely playing.
- Adjust Fantasy Lineups: If you have Morant, keep him in a "bench" or "IR" slot until the active notification hits. Don't risk a zero in your lineup for Sunday's early tip-off.
The London game tips off at 5:00 PM GMT (12:00 PM ET) on Sunday. Whether Ja Morant is on the floor or in a suit will tell us everything we need to know about his future in Memphis.