Ja Morant will not play for Memphis in its road game against Atlanta on March 23. The guard is still dealing with a left elbow UCL sprain, and his return is now expected no earlier than March 27, 2026. Memphis continues to manage his recovery carefully, keeping him out until there is clear progress.He has already missed recent games because of the injury, including the team’s 124-101 loss to Charlotte on March 21. There has been no update clearing him for action, so he remains unavailable for this game at State Farm Arena.
Timeline of Ja Morant’s elbow injury and current status (March 23, 2026)
The issue began around March 15 when Ja Morant first experienced discomfort in his elbow. At that time, there was a chance he could return by March 21, but that plan changed after further checks. Imaging done on March 22 showed the injury had not healed fully, confirming he would miss this matchup.Memphis comes into the game with a 24-46 record and sits 12th in the Western Conference. The team is still in a rebuilding phase, and while results have been inconsistent, games like this remain important for rotation decisions and player roles.
Memphis Grizzlies injury report for March 23, 2026
Ja Morant fights through injury to lead Memphis past Dallas in the Play-In finale, punching the Grizzlies’ ticket to the playoffs (Image via AP Photo)
Memphis Grizzlies is dealing with several injuries going into this game:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status | Est. Return |
| Ja Morant | PG | Elbow (UCL) | Out | Mar 27 |
| Taj Gibson | PF | Foot | GTD | Mar 23 |
| Cam Spencer | PG | Back | GTD | Mar 23 |
| Jahmai Mashack | SG | Ankle | Out | Mar 25 |
| Cedric Coward | F | Personal | Out | Mar 25 |
| Brandon Clarke | C/PF | Calf | Out | Mar 27 |
Santi Aldama is out for the season with a knee injury, and Zach Edey remains unavailable after surgery. The roster has also changed recently, including the February trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. elsewhere, leaving Memphis with fewer options.
Atlanta Hawks vs Memphis Grizzlies Game outlook (March 23, 2026)
Atlanta enters the game at 39-32 and holds the sixth spot in the East. The team has been strong at home and is favored by 12.5 points, with the total set at 240.5.Without Ja Morant, Memphis will look to GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells to handle more of the offense. Brandon Clarke could also play a role if he is cleared. The Grizzlies average 115.5 points per game, while Atlanta allows 116.5.Also read: Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight vs the Miami Heat? Latest update on the San Antonio Spurs star’s injury report (March 23, 2026)Atlanta is working through its own changes after moving on from Trae Young and is focused on securing a playoff position. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM ET on March 23.
