Ja Morant (Image via NBA)
The Memphis Grizzlies are back at home to play the New York Knicks on April 1, 2026. Before the game, most fans are asking the same thing. Will Ja Morant play tonight?The answer is that he will not play. He is also not coming back this season.
The team has already confirmed it.
Ja Morant’s injury status vs New York Knicks (April 1, 2026)
Memphis Grizzlies decided in late March that Ja Morant will miss the rest of the season. He has a sprain in the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The injury started in late January and did not heal fully.After more tests showed the elbow was still not right, the team chose to give him a platelet-rich plasma injection. Since then, they have focused on rest and recovery.There will be no return this season. He will not play any more games.
The team wants him ready for next season.
Memphis Backcourt Without Ja Morant
Without Ja Morant, Memphis has changed its guard rotation. Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, and Walter Clayton Jr. have all handled the ball.
Jerome has taken the main role. Still, the team misses Morant’s speed and scoring.In the frontcourt, Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the defense. He plays with Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, and Brandon Clarke. Memphis is using these games to give young players more time.
Knicks Enter With Strong Playoff Push
The Knicks are in a different position. Jalen Brunson runs the offense. He plays with Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.They also have Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson off the bench. The team is fighting for playoff position, so this game matters more for them.
Why Memphis Grizzlies Chose to Shut Morant Down
Morant last played on January 21, 2026. He left that game early because of the elbow injury. Earlier in the season, he also missed time with a right calf issue and other small injuries.By March, Memphis Grizzlies was out of the playoff race. Bringing him back was not worth the risk. The team decided to focus on his long-term health.
What This Means for Both Teams
Memphis is without its best player. The team is not as strong on offense, but younger players are getting chances.For New York, the game becomes easier. Without Morant, their defense has less pressure. Their main players can control the game better.
Final Injury Report (April 1, 2026)
| Player | Status | Details |
| Ja Morant | Out for season | Left elbow UCL sprain, PRP injection |
| Brandon Clarke | Out for season | Right calf strain |
| Zach Edey | Out | Recovering from left elbow procedure |
| Team | Key Players Status |
| Knicks | Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby all available |
Also read: New York Knicks vs Memphis Grizzlies injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (April 1, 2026)Ja Morant will not play against the New York Knicks on April 1, 2026. He is out for the rest of the season. Memphis is focused on getting him ready for next year.
