Is Ja Morant playing tonight against the Atlanta Hawks? Latest Update on Memphis Grizzlies Star’s Injury Report (March 23, 2026) | nba news
ja morant will not play for Memphis in their road game against Atlanta on March 23. The guard is still dealing with a left elbow UCL sprain, and his return is now not expected until March 27, 2026. Memphis is carefully managing his recovery, and he is being held out until there is clear progress.He has already missed recent games due to injury, including the team’s 124–101 loss to Charlotte on March 21. There has been no update on clearing him for action, so he is unavailable for this game at State Farm Arena.
Ja Morant’s elbow injury timeline and current status (March 23, 2026)
The problem began around March 15 when Ja Morant first experienced discomfort in his elbow. At the time, there was a possibility that he could return by March 21, but that plan changed after further investigation. Imaging done on 22 March showed that the injury had not fully healed, confirming that he would miss the match.Memphis comes into the game with a 24-46 record and is in 12th place in the Western Conference. The team is still in a rebuilding phase, and although 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 battled through injury to lead Memphis past Dallas in the play-in finale, punching the Grizzlies’ ticket to the playoffs (Image via AP Photo)
The Memphis Grizzlies are battling several injuries in this game:
| player | Post | Injury | Situation | EST. return |
| ja morant | PG | elbow (ucl) | Outside | 27 March |
| taj gibson | pf | Feet | gtd | 23 March |
| cam spencer | PG | Back | gtd | 23 March |
| jahmai mashaq | sg | ankle | Outside | March 25th |
| cedric coward | F | Personal | Outside | March 25th |
| Brandon Clarke | C/PF | calf | Outside | 27 March |
Santi Aldama is out for the season with a knee injury, and Zach Eddy is unavailable after surgery. The roster has also changed recently, including a 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 sixth place in the East. The team has been strong on home soil and is favored by 12.5 points, with a total score of 240.5.Without Ja Morant, Memphis will look to GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells to handle more offense. If Brandon Clarke is cleared, he could also play a role. The Grizzlies are averaging 115.5 points per game, while Atlanta allows 116.5 points.ALSO READ: Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight against Miami Heat? Latest update on San Antonio Spurs star’s injury report (March 23, 2026)Atlanta is working on changes of its own after moving on from Trae Young and is focused on securing playoff position. The game is scheduled to begin on March 23 at 7:30 PM ET.
