Ja Morant standing with his hands on his hips during a Memphis Grizzlies game.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is averaging 18.9 points and 8.1 assists this season. Elsa / Getty Images

CLEVELAND – Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant left Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter with right calf soreness and will not return, the team announced.

Morant, who missed the Grizzlies’ previous game with a right ankle injury, jogged gingerly on the team’s final possession before he subbed out with 6:01 to play in the quarter. He scored seven points with two assists and made both shots before he was removed.

Morant entered play averaging 18.9 points and 8.1 assists, but he suffered an ankle injury on the same leg Tuesday in New York and was held out of Memphis’ game the next night in Boston. The Grizzlies lost both games and seven of their last eight, and Morant has been at odds with the Grizzlies’ coaching staff, particularly coach Tuomas Iiasalo, after an exchange between them in the locker room following a recent loss. Morant was suspended for a game because of his public comments that followed his exchange with Iasalo.

Morant has not played more than 61 games in any of the previous four seasons because of injury, team suspension, or both.

This story will be updated.

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Nov 16, 2025

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