The Memphis Grizzlies face the San Antonio Spurs on November 18, 2025. Ja Morant won’t play due to a Grade 1 calf strain. The Spurs also battle major injuries. Both teams are decimated heading into this critical matchup.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Ja Morant out with Grade 1 calf strain, re-evaluated in 2 weeks
- Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle sidelined for Spurs
- Grizzlies sit at 4-10 record, struggling early season
- Six players on Memphis injury report heading into game
- Game tips off 8:00 PM ET on Peacock and FanDuel Sports Network
Key Injuries Impact Both Squads
Ja Morant suffered his calf injury during Saturday’s game against Cleveland. The star guard exited early and didn’t return. The Grizzlies announced the diagnosis on Monday, dealing a major blow to their campaign.
“Morant will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.” The team said he sustained the strain in the first quarter.
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Memphis also has Brandon Clarke out with knee complications. Ty Jerome is sidelined with a calf strain. On top of that, Scotty Pippen Jr. faces a toe injury requiring surgery. Reserves like Cedric Coward are on minutes restrictions going forward.
The San Antonio Spurs aren’t faring much better. Star rookie Victor Wembanyama is also dealing with a calf strain. Stephon Castle recently suffered a left hip flexor strain that’ll sideline him for 2-3 weeks. The Spurs have Dylan Harper and others limited as well.
Grizzlies Struggling Early in Season
The Memphis Grizzlies sit at just 4-10 through their first stretch. They’re ranked historically poorly in the standings. Losing Morant compounds their difficulties dramatically.
| Team Stat | Record | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis Grizzlies | 4-10 | Sputtering Early |
| San Antonio Spurs | Competitive | Battle-Tested |
Without Morant’s elite playmaking and scoring, the Grizzlies depend heavily on role players. Desmond Bane will need to step up significantly. Rookies and backup guards must fill the void left by the star.
Who Steps Up With Stars Out?
This game highlights NBA depth and adaptability. Neither team has their full arsenal for battle. Grizzlies backup point guards and wing scorers must prove their mettle against a Spurs squad also undermanned.
- Desmond Bane carries offensive load for Memphis
- Scottie Barnes-like defenders must limit San Antonio
- Spurs role players get expanded minutes
- Bench scoring becomes critical factor tonight
- Ball movement and pace-of-play determine winner
The coach who best manages rotations and adjusts schemes wins. Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo must rally his team. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has deep experience in these situations.
Will Injury-Ravaged Teams Step Up?
Ja Morant remains one of the league’s most explosive scorers. His absence hurts Memphis’s playoff hopes immediately. The Grizzlies started disappointing already at 4-10. Missing your franchise player compounds the problem.
But basketball adapts. Underdogs evolve. Reserve players seize opportunities. Tonight’s matchup shows whether Memphis and San Antonio can overcome their injury woes. Can they execute fundamentals without stars? Who’s resilient enough?
Watch the official highlights to see how both squads responded.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official injury reports and player status updates
- ESPN – Grizzlies and Spurs team injury information
- Sports Illustrated – Game analysis and playoff implications
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.