The Memphis Grizzlies will be without star guard Ja Morant for at least two more weeks as he continues recovering from a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, an injury he suffered on Jan. 21. The team announced Wednesday that Morant is making progress in his rehabilitation but is still experiencing discomfort. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Morant, 26, has played in just 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds. Despite persistent trade speculation in recent weeks, Memphis opted to retain the two-time All-Star at the deadline. Instead, the franchise dealt fellow two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a major move signaling a shift in direction.
In additional injury news, veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday to correct a misalignment in his right pinky finger. The Grizzlies said a recovery timeline will be determined following the procedure. Caldwell-Pope, 33, has appeared in 51 games this season, averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds.
