Ja Morant’s Injury Update: Will He Play Tonight Against Denver Nuggets?
The Memphis Grizzlies host the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum on March 18, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, and the game will air on FDSSE, ALT, and KTVD.
Game context and team form
Memphis enters the matchup with a 23-44 record. The Grizzlies have a minus-3.0 scoring margin and a -204 point differential this season.
The Grizzlies rank 14th in scoring at 115.6 points per game. Their defense sits 24th, allowing 118.6 points per night.
Denver is 42-27 and brings one of the league’s most potent offenses. The Nuggets lead the NBA with 120.7 points per game and hold a +302 point differential.
Denver’s defense ranks 19th. Still, their scoring output keeps them among the top teams.
Ja Morant’s injury update
Ja Morant has not appeared in a game since January 21, 2026. He suffered a UCL sprain in his left elbow, diagnosed as a partial tear.
Morant has been in rehab and reported lingering discomfort on March 5. He is scheduled for re-evaluation around March 19.
Based on the March 18 report, he is listed as out with an elbow injury and will not play tonight. Filmogaz.com notes his return is projected later in March, pending recovery.
Memphis injury report (March 18, 2026)
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Ja Morant | Out | Elbow |
| Scotty Pippen Jr. | Out for season | Toe |
| Santi Aldama | Out for season | Knee |
| Brandon Clarke | Out | Calf |
| Zach Edey | Out for season | Ankle |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Out for season | Finger |
| Jahmai Mashack | Questionable | Ankle |
Who steps up for Memphis
Memphis has leaned on younger players while key names sit out. Those players have seen larger roles in recent games.
- GG Jackson: 14.6 points per game over the last 20 contests.
- Jaylen Wells: 14.1 points over the last 20 games and leads the team 12.8 PPG on the season.
- Olivier-Maxence Prosper: 12.2 points per game.
- Cedric Coward: team-leading 6.2 rebounds per game.
- Cam Spencer: 4.7 assists and 2.0 made three-pointers per game.
The Grizzlies average 13.7 made threes. They are being outrebounded by 2.1 boards per game.
What to expect tonight
Memphis will be shorthanded and continues to struggle defending opponents. Denver matches up well against that weakness.
The Nuggets should rely on Jokić and Murray to carry the offense. With a mostly healthy rotation, Denver is favored in this matchup.
For fans tracking Ja Morant’s injury update and wondering if he will play tonight, the latest report confirms he remains out. A re-evaluation after March 19 will determine his next steps.
