If you’ve been following the NBA over the last couple of seasons, looking at the Memphis Grizzlies starting five right now feels a bit like walking into your favorite restaurant only to find out they’ve completely changed the menu. It’s January 2026, and the Grit-and-Grind identity is being tested in ways we haven't seen since the early Zach Randolph days.
Honestly, it’s been a weird year for the 901. Between nagging injuries and some surprising trades, the lineup we expected to see back in October is miles away from the group taking the floor today.
The Current State of the Memphis Grizzlies Starting Five
Right now, the Grizzlies are in a bit of a "survival mode" phase. If you look at the box score for their January 15th game against Orlando, you won't see Desmond Bane. Why? Because he’s wearing a Magic jersey now. Yeah, that one still stings for a lot of folks in Tennessee. And you won't see Ja Morant, who is currently dealing with a right calf contusion that’s kept him sidelined for the last few games.
Basically, the "Projected" lineup and the "Actual" lineup are two very different animals.
Who's Actually Starting?
With the injury bug biting hard and roster shifts taking hold, the Memphis Grizzlies starting five has become a platform for young talent to sink or swim. As of mid-January 2026, the rotation has looked something like this:
- Cam Spencer (Point Guard)
- Jaylen Wells (Shooting Guard)
- Cedric Coward (Small Forward)
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Power Forward)
- Jock Landale (Center)
It’s a far cry from the Morant-Bane-Jackson trio that was supposed to take over the league. Cam Spencer has had to step up massively with Ja out, and honestly, he’s been a bright spot. He's a gritty player—sorta fits that Memphis vibe even if he wasn't the guy fans expected to be leading the break.
The Ja Morant Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about Ja. There’s no way around it. He’s the engine, the heartbeat, and lately, the biggest question mark in the city. Currently, Morant is nursing that calf injury. It’s been described as a "setback-free" recovery by head coach Tuomas Iisalo, but the timing is... well, it’s interesting.
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Rumors have been swirling that the front office is actually listening to trade calls on Ja for the first time ever. It sounds wild to even say out loud. He’s making about $36 million this year and is under contract through 2028, but with the team hovering around a mediocre record and Morant only appearing in 18 games so far this season, the "untradeable" label has started to peel off.
When he’s on the floor, he’s still Ja. He’s averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists. But the 40% shooting from the field tells you he hasn't quite found that explosive rhythm we’re used to.
The Missing Piece: Zach Edey
If you were looking for the 7-foot-4 mountain in the middle, you’ll have to look at the bench—in street clothes. Zach Edey was having a monster rookie-ish campaign, averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds. He was literally the best rebounder on the team by a mile.
But then the ankle gave out. As of January 14, the team announced he’s going to be out for at least another six weeks. That is a massive blow to the Memphis Grizzlies starting five because Jock Landale, while a serviceable veteran, just doesn't provide the same gravity or rim protection that Edey does.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: The Last Man Standing
Through all the trades and the injuries, Jaren Jackson Jr. remains the constant. He’s the veteran of this group now, which feels crazy because he’s still only 26.
JJJ is currently putting up about 18.5 points and 5.6 rebounds a game. His defensive impact is still elite—ranking in the 94th percentile for overall defensive metrics—but he’s being asked to carry a much heavier offensive load than he probably should. On any given night, he might give you 31 points (like he did against the Wizards recently) or he might struggle through an 11-shot night where nothing falls.
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The reality is that without Bane’s spacing or Morant’s gravity, defenses are just swarming Jaren. He’s shooting about 47.9% from the field, which isn't bad, but you can see the frustration when he’s double-teamed by teams like the Lakers or Suns.
The New Guys: Wells and Coward
If you aren't a die-hard, you might be wondering who Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward even are.
Jaylen Wells has moved into a starting role and has been averaging about 12 points a game. He’s a "connector" type of player—doesn't need the ball to be effective. Cedric Coward is another young wing getting a trial by fire. He’s been surprisingly productive, chipping in nearly 14 points and 7 rebounds on some nights.
It’s not the star-studded lineup people wanted, but it’s a high-energy group. They play hard. They just lack the "closers" that you need to win tight games in the Western Conference.
Why the Lineup Changes Matter for Your Betting or Fantasy Team
If you’re tracking the Memphis Grizzlies starting five for fantasy basketball or betting, you’ve got to be careful. This team is volatile.
- Volume over Efficiency: With so many stars out, guys like Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells are getting shots they would never get otherwise. Their value is high purely because of volume, but their FG% might tank your week.
- The Defensive Drop-off: Without Edey and with Marcus Smart now playing for the Lakers (yeah, he’s gone too), the Grizzlies’ defensive rating has taken a hit. They used to be a lock for "Under" bets, but now they’re giving up a lot more points in the paint.
- The "Trade Block" Factor: Keep an eye on the news wire. If the Grizzlies decide to lean into a full rebuild, JJJ's minutes might become inconsistent, or more veterans could be moved.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
Most national media outlets still talk about the Grizzlies like they’re the 2022 version of themselves. They aren't.
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The biggest misconception is that this is just a "down year" and they'll be back to a top-3 seed next season. Honestly? The West has gotten way deeper. The Thunder are a juggernaut, the Spurs have a literal alien in Wemby, and the Magic—ironically—are thriving with former Grizzlies like Desmond Bane.
The Grizzlies are currently in a transition phase. They are trying to figure out if Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are actually the duo of the future, or if they need to hit the reset button around a guy like Zach Edey once he's healthy.
Moving Forward: What to Watch For
So, what should you actually do with this information?
First, watch the injury reports for Ja Morant’s return. If he comes back and looks like his old self, the Grizzlies become a dangerous "spoiler" team for the rest of the season. If he remains out or gets traded, expect a lot more of Cam Spencer and the young core.
Second, keep an eye on the 2026 trade deadline (February 5th). That’s the real D-Day for this franchise. If Morant is still on the roster after that date, the Grizzlies are likely going to try one more run with this core next year.
Next Steps for Grizzlies Fans:
Check the official NBA injury report two hours before tip-off for the latest on Ja Morant’s calf status. If you're looking for jersey updates or roster moves, the team's official press releases are the only place to get the facts without the "trade machine" noise.
The Memphis Grizzlies starting five is a moving target right now, but for the fans who stay through the lean times, the development of guys like Wells and Edey might just be the silver lining this season needs.