Ja Morant Sidelined Two Weeks with Grade 1 Calf Strain, Grizzlies Face Tough Stretch

Memphis Grizzlies All-Star point guard Ja Morant will be sidelined for two weeks due to a Grade 1 calf strain, sustained in the first quarter of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after scoring 7 points in 6 minutes. This injury adds to a challenging season for Morant and the 4-10 Grizzlies, as he previously missed a game with an ankle injury and served a suspension. The 26-year-old is currently posting career lows in shooting percentages (35.9% FG, 16.7% 3P) and averaging 17.9 points and 3.0 rebounds, his lowest scoring mark since his rookie year. This continues a concerning injury history, as he has never played more than 70 games in his six NBA seasons, including a 9-game season due to a prior suspension. While the Grizzlies maintain no trade interest, his mounting injuries and large contract could impact his value. Vince Williams Jr. is expected to see increased playing time, along with Cam Spencer, and a greater scoring burden will fall on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cedric Coward.