Ja Morant’s Return Delayed: Betting Implications of the Grizzlies’ Extended Star Absence

By Oddixa — 2026-02-19

Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant will remain sidelined for at least two more weeks as he recovers from an elbow injury, forcing bettors to recalibrate their expectations for a depleted Memphis roster.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ uphill battle just got steeper. The team announced that All-Star guard Ja Morant will miss at least another two weeks of action as he continues to rehab a sprained ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow, an injury sustained during their January 21 matchup. This extended timeline ensures that the Grizzlies will be without their primary offensive engine for crucial late-season fixtures, a blow to a team already struggling to find consistency in a crowded Western Conference.

From a betting perspective, Morant’s absence shifts the landscape significantly. Without his 20+ point-per-game production and elite playmaking, the Grizzlies’ offensive rating typically takes a dive, often making the Under an intriguing look on their team totals. Bettors should also pay close attention to the increased usage rates for Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane. While the spread will likely widen in favor of Memphis’s opponents, the Grizzlies have historically been scrappy underdogs; however, covering the number becomes much more difficult without Morant’s ability to close out tight games in the fourth quarter.