Monday summed up the Grizzlies’ season-long struggle to gain traction health-wise, as progress in one area was quickly offset by another setback.
Memphis recently welcomed Ja Morant back from a calf injury, only to lose center Zach Edey for roughly four weeks with an ankle problem, reinforcing the team’s ongoing battle to keep its rotation intact.
Despite those challenges, the Grizzlies delivered a strong performance, rolling to an 18-point win over the Clippers on the road.
That result was tempered late in the fourth quarter, however, when Morant went down after awkwardly rolling his left ankle while driving to the basket. He exited with under four minutes remaining, immediately raising concern given his recent return.
After the game, head coach Tuomas Iisalo attempted to strike a cautious but optimistic tone. According to Mark Medina, Iisalo said Morant “tweaked” the ankle and would be evaluated further, while adding that there is hope the issue isn’t serious.
For now, the team is waiting to see whether this is a minor scare or something that could sideline Morant again.
There was at least some encouraging news elsewhere on the injury front. Brandon Clarke, who hasn’t appeared yet this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in September, is nearing a comeback.
Clarke was briefly upgraded to doubtful before being ruled out Monday, a sign his return is getting closer.
Michael Wallace reports that Clarke is trending toward being available as soon as Wednesday’s game in Minnesota, offering Memphis a potential boost as it continues to juggle an ever-changing lineup.
Injury Notes: Morant, Clarke, Gafford, LaVine, Green https://t.co/eOh29LcUuv pic.twitter.com/pJvdUylzyH
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 16, 2025
