The electric energy of the Uber Arena in Berlin was ready to welcome one of the NBA’s biggest stars, but Ja Morant will be a no-show. The Memphis Grizzlies’ dynamic point guard has been officially ruled out for their international clash against the Orlando Magic due to a persistent right calf contusion . This isn’t just another night off; it’s a major storyline for a team trying to find its footing in a turbulent season.
Table of Contents
- What’s Wrong with Ja Morant?
- The Grizzlies’ Paradox: Record Without Their Star
- Berlin and London: The NBA Takes Europe by Storm
- What Does This Mean for the Grizzlies’ Season?
- Conclusion
- Sources
What’s Wrong with Ja Morant?
The official diagnosis is a right calf contusion, essentially a deep bruise in his calf muscle . This injury has been nagging at him since a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 2nd . While he managed to play four games after returning from a previous issue on December 26th, this latest setback has now forced him to miss his sixth consecutive contest .
There’s a glimmer of hope for fans, though. Morant has traveled with the team to Europe, which is a strong indicator that the team doesn’t believe the injury is long-term. All eyes are now on the next stop on their European tour: London. The current expectation is that he could be cleared to play in the game against the Magic at The O2 on January 18th .
The Grizzlies’ Paradox: Record Without Their Star
On the surface, you’d expect a team to struggle mightily without its franchise player. And yet, the numbers tell a fascinating, almost paradoxical story for the 2025-26 Memphis Grizzlies.
With Ja Morant on the court this season, the Grizzlies have posted a disappointing 6-12 record . However, in the games he’s missed, they’ve been a much more competitive unit, holding a solid winning record. Various reports confirm they are somewhere between 9-7 and 11-10 in those contests [[10], [12], [13]]. This stark contrast raises serious questions about the team’s chemistry and system when their star is playing versus when they’re forced to rely on a more collective effort.
This situation highlights a complex challenge for head coach Tuomas Iisalo. How do you integrate your best player back into a system that has found success in his absence? It’s a problem most coaches would love to have, but it’s a real strategic headache for Memphis as they sit at 17-22, clinging to the 10th spot in the brutal Western Conference .
Berlin and London: The NBA Takes Europe by Storm
The Grizzlies’ trip to Europe is historic. The game in Berlin on January 15th marks the first-ever regular-season NBA game played in Germany . Just three days later, on January 18th, the same two teams will face off in London, which will host its tenth official NBA regular-season game .
For the NBA, these games are a massive global marketing push. For the Grizzlies and Magic, it’s a unique logistical challenge—playing high-stakes games thousands of miles from home. For Memphis fans, the Berlin game is a major letdown without their superstar, but the London game offers a chance for redemption and a return to normalcy.
What Does This Mean for the Grizzlies’ Season?
The immediate concern is obviously Morant’s health. A calf strain can be tricky and, if not managed perfectly, can linger or lead to more serious issues. The team is clearly being cautious, which is the smart long-term play.
Beyond the injury, the bigger picture is about identity. The Grizzlies need to figure out how to blend Morant’s explosive, high-usage style of play with the more balanced, defensive-minded approach that has worked in his absence. Can they become a team that wins both with and without him? That’s the key to salvaging their season and making a serious playoff push.
For now, the focus in Berlin is on the supporting cast. Players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. will need to step up even more. But everyone knows the team’s ceiling is much higher when their star is healthy and on the floor. His potential return in London isn’t just a game—it’s a critical test for the entire franchise.
Conclusion
While the Ja Morant injury is a significant blow to the spectacle in Berlin, it provides a crucial window into the Grizzlies’ season-long puzzle. His absence has revealed a resilient team capable of winning, but his presence is ultimately what makes them a true threat. The next few weeks, starting with a possible return in London, will be pivotal in determining whether Memphis can solve this equation and turn their season around. Keep an eye on our coverage of the [INTERNAL_LINK:nba-europe-games-2026] for more updates.