The travel to Little Caesars Arena on March 13, 2026, to face the Detroit Pistons. Memphis will again be without its starting point guard, with an elbow injury.
The Grizzlies are dealing with several injuries across the roster, while Detroit enters the game in a stronger position with a deeper lineup available. Morant’s continued absence is a major factor in the matchup.
Why is Ja Morant ruled out against Detroit Pistons (March 13, 2026)
Ja Morant will not play in the Memphis Grizzlies’ game against the Pistons on March 13. The team has ruled him out because of a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.
The injury happened on January 21 during a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Medical imaging earlier in March showed the ligament had not fully healed. The Grizzlies then said Morant would miss at least two more weeks while continuing his recovery.
Team updates say he has improved but still feels discomfort when extending the elbow during shooting and passing. He has not been cleared for contact practices. Memphis plans to evaluate him again later in March to determine whether he can return before the end of the regular season.
Morant has played 20 games this season. He is averaging about 19.5 points and 8.1 assists. Injuries have limited his availability throughout the year.
Memphis Grizzlies injury report (March 13, 2026)
Memphis enters the game with several players unavailable and others listed as questionable.
Confirmed Grizzlies absences (March 13, 2026)
|
Player |
Status |
Injury |
|
Ja Morant |
Out |
Left elbow UCL sprain |
|
Santi Aldama |
Out |
Right knee |
|
Brandon Clarke |
Out |
Calf |
|
Zach Edey |
Out for season |
Ankle |
|
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope |
Out for season |
Finger |
|
Scotty Pippen Jr. |
Out |
Toe |
Memphis Grizzlies game-time decisions
|
Player |
Status |
Injury/Note |
|
Taj Gibson |
Questionable |
Reconditioning |
|
GG Jackson |
Questionable |
Right foot soreness |
|
Jaylen Wells |
Questionable |
Right shoulder |
|
Walter Clayton Jr. |
Doubtful / Questionable |
Right ankle sprain |
|
Ty Jerome |
Questionable |
Calf |
|
Cedric Coward |
Day-to-day |
Knee |
|
Cam Spencer |
Day-to-day |
Back |
With Morant out, Memphis may rely on Ty Jerome to handle the ball if he is available. GG Jackson and Taylor Hendricks could take larger roles in scoring. Other players such as Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Rayan Rupert, Cedric Coward, Cam Spencer, Jahmai Mashack, and Javon Small may also see more minutes.
How Ja Morant’s absence affects the game
Memphis Grizzlies have struggled to create offense without Ja Morant. The team loses its main ball handler and playmaker when he is not on the floor.
Detroit enters the game as a clear favorite. Betting lines place the Pistons around a 15-point favorite at home.
If Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris both play, Detroit could have an advantage inside. Even if they do not, the Pistons still have depth with Isaiah Stewart, Paul Reed, Ronald Holland II, and Bobi Klintman available.
