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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant looks on from the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Ja Morant will not play when the Memphis Grizzlies face the Sacramento Kings on February 23, 2026. He has already been ruled out on the official injury report, so there is no chance of a late change before the game.This is not a short-term absence. Morant is dealing with a left elbow UCL sprain, and the current timeline suggests he could be out until early March if recovery goes as expected.
Is Ja Morant playing vs Kings tonight?
Ja Morant has been listed as out for this game. There is no doubtful or questionable tag, so his status is clear. Memphis will be without its starting point guard again.The injury affects his passing, shooting, and overall control of the ball.
That matters because he is the team’s main ball-handler and scoring option.
Latest Ja Morant injury update (Feb. 23, 2026)
Morant is expected to miss more games before returning. Early March is the likely target, provided there are no setbacks.
Without him, Memphis has to adjust its approach. The team is not built around one player creating most of the offense in this situation. Instead, they rely on multiple players to handle the ball and create shots.
Memphis Grizzlies’ injury report and expected rotation
Memphis Grizzlies have several players out for this game: • Ja Morant – left elbow UCL sprain (Out) • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – right pinky finger surgery (Out) • Santi Aldama – right knee injury (Out) • Brandon Clarke – right calf strain/soreness (Out) • Cedric Coward – right knee posterior capsule sprain (Out) • Zach Edey – left ankle stress reaction (Out) • Kyle Anderson – right knee soreness (Out)With Morant out, Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane take on more responsibility.
The offense relies more on passing and shared playmaking instead of one player controlling most possessions.Memphis enters the game as the underdog, largely because of the missing players.
Kings’ injury report and current roster context
Sacramento is also missing key players: • Domantas Sabonis – knee/back issues after meniscus surgery (Out for season) • Zach LaVine – right hand/finger surgery (Out for season) • De’Andre Hunter – eye surgery (Out for season) • Dylan Cardwell – ankle injury (Out) • Isaiah Stevens – inactive (two-way status)With Sabonis out, the Kings rely more on their guards. De’Aaron Fox leads the offense, with more focus on perimeter play.
What Ja Morant’s absence means for tonight
Without Morant, Memphis loses its main driver on offense. The team does not get the same pressure at the rim or in transition.For Sacramento, this makes defensive planning simpler. They can focus more on limiting shooters and switching on the perimeter.Also read: Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 23, 2026)Memphis will need a balanced effort to stay competitive, as they do not have their primary option available.



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