Man, the vibes in Memphis are just… heavy right now. If you’re looking for the starting lineup for Memphis Grizzlies games these days, you’re basically looking at a medical report that someone accidentally turned into a basketball roster. It’s tough. You’ve got the trade rumors swirling, the injury bug that’s more like an injury plague, and a team that looks almost nothing like what we expected when the season tipped off.
Honestly, it’s a mess. But it's a fascinating mess.
The starting unit changes so often that head coach Tuomas Iisalo probably needs a dry-erase board just to remember who’s actually healthy by the time they hit the floor at FedExForum. Between Ja Morant’s calf issues and the seismic shift of the Desmond Bane trade to Orlando back in June 2025, the "Core Four" era didn't just end; it sort of imploded.
The "Current" Reality: Who Is Actually Starting?
If the Grizzlies played a game tonight, January 12, 2026, and everyone listed as a "game-time decision" actually sat out, you’re looking at a lineup that feels more like a G-League All-Star team than an NBA contender.
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Here is what the starting lineup for Memphis Grizzlies looks like in the middle of this January chaos:
- Point Guard: Cam Spencer (with Ja Morant out)
- Shooting Guard: Cedric Coward
- Small Forward: Jaylen Wells
- Power Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Center: Jock Landale (filling in for Zach Edey)
It’s wild to see names like Spencer and Coward in the first five. But that’s where we are. Ja Morant is currently sidelined with a right calf contusion—his second of the season—and the noise about a potential trade is getting louder than a Beale Street blues club on a Saturday night. Shams Charania reported just a few days ago that the team is "open for business" regarding Ja. That’s a sentence I never thought I’d write.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the Last Man Standing
Jaren Jackson Jr. is basically the captain of a sinking ship, except he’s still playing like an All-Star. Even when the Grizzlies dropped six of seven recently, "Trip" was out there trying to do everything. He’s the centerpiece now. With Morant’s future in doubt and Bane gone, JJJ is the guy. He’s averaging some solid numbers, but the pressure is immense. You can see it in his face during post-game interviews. He told reporters recently that the "business of basketball takes a toll," which is a pretty clear nod to the Ja rumors.
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The Zach Edey Factor
Then there’s the big man. Zach Edey was a walking double-double before he went down with a left ankle stress reaction. He was averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds. People doubted if he could translate his Purdue dominance to the league, but he was honestly hushing the critics. He’s traveling with the team for their European stint in Berlin and London, but he’s likely not playing yet. Memphis is being super cautious. When he’s in the starting lineup for Memphis Grizzlies, they actually have an identity. Without him? They're small and vulnerable.
Why the Lineup Keeps Shifting
You can't talk about this roster without mentioning the injuries. It's not just Ja. Scotty Pippen Jr. has a bum toe. Ty Jerome has a calf issue. Brandon Clarke is out.
It feels like the training room is more crowded than the bench.
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- The Morant Uncertainty: Is he injured? Yes. Is he being sat because a trade is imminent? Maybe. The vibe is very "farewell tour" right now.
- Rookie Reliance: Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward are getting "sink or swim" minutes. Coward actually looked great in the recent win over Brooklyn, but asking a rookie to carry that much weight is a lot.
- The Desmond Bane Hole: Trading Bane to the Magic for draft capital and flexibility was a gamble that hasn't paid off on the court yet. The shooting gravity he provided is just gone.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
A lot of folks think the Grizzlies are "tanking." I don't think that's it. You don't play Jaren Jackson Jr. those kinds of minutes if you're trying to lose on purpose. They're just trapped in a transition phase that turned ugly because of health.
Also, the Marcus Smart era? Totally over. People forget he was moved to the Wizards last February before ending up with the Lakers. The Grizzlies tried to get veteran grit, but the injuries ruined that experiment too.
Basically, the starting lineup for Memphis Grizzlies right now is a bridge. It’s a bridge to whatever is next—whether that’s a post-Ja era built around JJJ and Edey, or a massive rebuild.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following this team or trying to figure out their direction, keep your eyes on these three things:
- The February Trade Deadline: If Morant is still on the roster after February 9, expect him to finish the season in Memphis, but don't hold your breath.
- The Euro-Trip Returns: Watch how Edey and Morant are handled during the games in Berlin (Jan 15) and London. If they don't even suit up, the "protective" mode is in full effect.
- Vince Williams Jr. Development: When he's healthy, he's the glue. His return to the starting lineup is the only thing that might stabilize their defense.
The Grizzlies are 16-21 for a reason. They have talent, but they don't have continuity. Until they decide what they're doing with their franchise player, the starting five will continue to be a revolving door of "who's that?" and "hope he's healthy." Keep an eye on the injury reports about two hours before tip-off; that's the only way to know for sure who's actually playing.