Ja Morant will not play for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 4, 2026. The guard is still recovering from a left elbow UCL sprain and remains out for the game.The injury has kept Morant off the court since late January. Memphis had planned to reevaluate the injury in early March, but he has not yet returned to the lineup. His absence continues as the Grizzlies deal with several injuries across the roster.
Why is Ja Morant ruled out vs Portland Trail Blazers (March 4, 2026)
Morant suffered the elbow injury in late January and has missed multiple games since then. The team originally expected to reassess his condition in early March, but he is still not available for this matchup.This season has already been disrupted for Morant. Earlier in the year he missed time because of calf problems. When he has played, he has remained the main ball handler and one of the team’s top scorers, averaging about 19 points per game.Without him, Memphis loses its main playmaker and the player who usually controls the offense.Memphis Grizzlies injury reportMemphis enters the game with several players unavailable. The injury list includes both starters and rotation players.Player Status Injury/ReasonJa Morant Out Elbow (UCL sprain)Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Out for Season FingerBrandon Clarke Out CalfZach Edey Out for Season AnkleSanti Aldama Day-to-Day Injury ManagementTaj Gibson Day-to-Day Coach’s DecisionWith Morant out, Memphis will rely more on other players. Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the team with 19.2 points per game. Cam Spencer has taken on more responsibility as a passer and is averaging 5.5 assists.The Grizzlies come into the game with a 23-37 record.Impact on MemphisMorant’s absence affects how Memphis runs its offense. He usually handles the ball, pushes the pace, and creates scoring chances for teammates.Without him, players such as Vince Williams Jr. and Scotty Pippen Jr. are expected to take on larger roles. Memphis will also depend on Jackson to carry more of the scoring load.Portland injury report and roster statusPortland also has several injuries before the game.Shaedon Sharpe will miss the game with a calf injury. Damian Lillard is out for the season with an Achilles injury. Robert Williams III is listed as questionable because of a knee issue. Deni Avdija is questionable with a back problem, and Kris Murray is dealing with an illness.If Avdija plays, he could be important for Portland. He has recently been averaging 24.4 points per game.Also read: Portland Trail Blazers vs Memphis Grizzlies injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 4, 2026)Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Toumani Camara remain available. Portland enters the matchup with a 29-33 record and is favored to win. Memphis, dealing with multiple injuries, will need contributions from several players to stay competitive.
