Key Highlights
- Morant is on track for his second game in 2026 after a long absence.
- The Grizzlies will face the Magic in their final European tour leg.
- Despite trade rumors, Morant’s return is expected to be restricted.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 30 points against the Bucks.
- The Grizzlies have lost seven of nine and are looking for a win in London.
Morant Returns, But With Strings Attached: Grizzlies vs. Magic in London Game
The Memphis Grizzlies will welcome Ja Morant back to the lineup for their final European tour leg against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, January 18 at The O2 Arena in London.
Trade Rumors and Morant’s Return
Despite ongoing trade rumors, head coach Tuomas Iisalo revealed that Morant will play with a minutes restriction. “Ja is ready to maximize his time on the floor,” stated Iisalo. This cautious approach reflects the Grizzlies’ strategy in managing their star player ahead of potential trades.
Grizzlies’ Performance and Injuries
The Grizzlies, who have dropped seven of nine games, are eyeing a victory to boost their morale. Jaren Jackson Jr., who posted 30 points against the Milwaukee Bucks, remains a key player for Memphis. Other notable players like Cedric Coward and GG Jackson also contributed significantly with combined scores of 32.
The team is currently without several players due to injuries, including Brandon Clarke (calf strain), Zach Edey (ankle stress reaction), Ty Jerome (calf strain), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (foot surgery recovery). Santi Aldama, the only European player on the roster, will come off the bench after recovering from a calf contusion.
Orlando Magic’s Performance
The Orlando Magic, led by Paolo Banchero with 26 points and 13 rebounds, secured their first consecutive wins since December 1. Anthony Black added 21 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, including a dunk of the year candidate in the final quarter.
Game Details
The matchup will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video with radio coverage available on WMFS-FM (Grizzlies) and FM 96.9 The Game/AM 740 WYGM (Magic). This London game is part of the NBA’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in Europe, marking the 10th regular-season game ever played there.
The Grizzlies have a strong recent record against the Magic, having won seven out of nine matchups. The last meeting between these teams saw Morant contribute significantly with 23 points as Jaren Jackson Jr. blocked a potential game-winner from Banchero to secure the win.
Conclusion
The upcoming Grizzlies vs. Magic game in London is more than just a regular-season matchup; it’s a chance for Ja Morant to showcase his skills and potentially audition for interested teams. The Grizzlies, with their recent struggles, will be eager to secure a win while managing Morant’s return carefully.