Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr, Brandon Clarke
January 2026
Edey will miss roughly six more weeks with a stress reaction in his left ankle; Clarke and Pippen Jr. are expected back in four to six weeks. Memphis will continue offloading and rehab for Edey with reevaluation in about six weeks. Clarke is rehabbing a calf strain; Pippen Jr. is progressing after a toe procedure.
Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, NBA TMBO
January 2026
Cavaliers won Team of the Year and Inclusion Leadership; Raptors won Team Innovation; Olivia Hay won Guest Experience Innovation; Billy Phillips won Values of the Game. Cavs cited for major business growth, sellout streak, partnerships and new premium club; inclusion initiatives tied to youth leadership and social impact programs; Raptors recognized for a fan-facing Shooting Lab using biomechanics and vision tech; Hay recognized for staff culture and service standards; Phillips honored for decades of sponsorship and community work.
Moritz Wagner
January 2026
Moritz Wagner played his first NBA game in over a year after ACL recovery, as Orlando travels to play Memphis in Berlin and London; Franz hopes to return from a high ankle sprain by Berlin. Moritz tore his ACL in December 2024 and returned with a short cameo; the team then flew to Europe for two showcase games aimed at growing German basketball exposure.
Zach Edey
December 2025
Memphis center Zach Edey will miss at least four weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his previously operated left ankle, extending a frustrating run of injuries for the second-year big man. After offseason ankle surgery and a delayed start to the campaign, Edey managed only 11 games, averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds before renewed symptoms forced the team to shut him down for rest and rehab, further weakening a struggling Grizzlies frontcourt.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Current 2025–26 NBA season, with Morant out injured
As Memphis struggle at 7–12, league chatter has started to link Ja Morant with a possible move, with the Toronto Raptors mentioned by insiders as a speculative destination for a high level lead guard to push their 14–5 team deeper into contention.
Reported interest centres on Toronto’s need for a primary ball handler alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, with Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett viewed as possible trade pieces. Any deal would be complex due to Morant’s dip in form, current calf strain, and two remaining contract years at over 40 million dollars each.
Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
November 2025
Stephon Castle is expected to miss two to three weeks after an MRI showed a left hip flexor strain, adding another significant absence to a San Antonio Spurs team that will already be without Victor Wembanyama and fellow guard Jordan McLaughlin for at least the next few weeks. Castle left at half time against Sacramento and now joins Wembanyama, who has a left calf strain, and McLaughlin, who strained his right hamstring in practice, leaving a 9-4 Spurs team that opened 5-0 to navigate a tricky stretch without the previous two Rookie of the Year winners in uniform.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
November 2025
Ja Morant will miss at least two weeks with a Grade 1 right calf strain, extending a stop-start season in which his scoring and efficiency have dipped and the Memphis Grizzlies have stumbled to a 4-10 record despite his return from a team suspension. Hurt originally against New York on November 11, Morant played through discomfort before leaving early against Cleveland. With key guards already out and a road-heavy stretch ahead, Memphis must lean on depth signings and recent returnees while their All-Star focuses on rehab and tries to rediscover his usual explosive form.
Brandon Clarke (Memphis Grizzlies)
November 2025
Memphis announced Clarke is 6–9 weeks from returning after an arthroscopic procedure to address right knee synovitis, following prior right PCL and earlier left Achilles injuries that have disrupted recent seasons. Clarke’s progression targets swelling control and strength symmetry before on-court build-up. Memphis will monitor workload integration to stabilize their second unit’s rim pressure and defensive activity upon his return.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
November 2025
Memphis suspended Morant for comments and demeanor after the Lakers loss, adding to prior disciplinary history. He said postgame, “Go ask the coaching staff,” and appeared disengaged at times. He’s averaging 20.8 points through six games on a max deal; return timing not specified. Memphis needs message discipline and on-court cohesion. Short term: elevate Desmond Bane’s initiator role, more Jaren Jackson Jr. elbow touches, and prioritize half-court execution. Organizationally: set clear communication protocols and accountability standards to prevent repeat flashpoints while they navigate a tight early-season margin.
Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
November 2025
After a left finger sprain and lower-leg contusion, Dončić is back to start West Group B of the Emirates NBA Cup against Memphis. He rejoins a lineup with Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton after back-to-back 40-point openers. Medical staff cleared Dončić following symptom resolution and function tests. J.J. Redick will balance on-ball reps with Reaves to manage load, leverage Smart’s point-of-attack defense, and spam Dončić-Ayton two-man actions. Early substitution patterns should cap cumulative minutes across the Cup’s group slate.
