The Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks enter the final stretch of the 2025–26 NBA season dealing with significant injury concerns, with both teams missing several key contributors according to the NBA’s official injury report released April 5.
Memphis carries one of the league’s longest injury lists, highlighted by the absence of Ja Morant. The guard remains out with a left elbow UCL sprain after averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 games this season.
Morant’s absence has created a major playmaking gap for the Western Conference club, which sits at 25–52 and has already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Grizzlies have lost three straight games, including a 128–96 defeat to Toronto on April 3.
Frontcourt depth is also heavily affected for Memphis. Santi Aldama is out following right knee surgery, while Zach Edey remains sidelined due to surgery recovery related to a left ankle and elbow injury.
Aldama averaged 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds in 43 appearances this season, providing spacing and rebounding from the power forward spot. Edey contributed 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds across 11 games before his injury.
Several additional rotation players remain unavailable. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out recovering from right fifth finger surgery, while Brandon Clarke is sidelined with a right calf strain.
Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, Jahmai Mashack, Javon Small, and Cam Spencer are also ruled out for Memphis. Cedric Coward and GG Jackson are listed as doubtful, and Walter Clayton Jr. is questionable with left hip soreness.
Milwaukee also faces major lineup concerns, beginning with the absence of franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP is out with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
Antetokounmpo has been the Bucks’ most productive player this season, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4 percent from the field.
The Eastern Conference team has struggled during his absence and enters the week with a 30–47 record. Milwaukee is currently 11th in the conference standings and has already been eliminated from postseason contention.
Backcourt scoring has also taken a hit for Milwaukee. Kevin Porter Jr., who averages 17.4 points and 7.4 assists per game, is out with right knee synovitis.
Bobby Portis remains sidelined with a left wrist sprain after producing 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this season.
Gary Trent Jr. is also unavailable due to a left hip pointer. Meanwhile, starting guard Ryan Rollins is listed as questionable with a right hip strain after averaging 17.1 points and 5.6 assists across 72 games.
Milwaukee has dropped two straight games, including a 133–101 loss to Boston on April 3.
The teams met once earlier this season, when Memphis secured a 125–104 win on December 26.
