What's next for Grizzlies after injury updates for Scotty Pippen, Santi Aldama

The numbers keep stacking up as the season winds down.

First, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope underwent a season-ending procedure on Feb. 19. Then came word that Zach Edey, Santi Aldama and Scotty Pippen Jr. would also miss the remainder of the season following surgeries. The announcements on Pippen and Aldama came March 17.

Memphis is now without four players who were expected to be part of the regular rotation — and that number could still grow. That doesn’t even account for the four rotation players the Grizzlies traded away earlier this season.

The Grizzlies’ roster looks drastically different than it did just two months ago.

When will Ja Morant return to lineup?

In addition to the four season-ending absences, both Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain) and Brandon Clarke (right calf strain) have missed more than a month because of injuries.

The Grizzlies announced March 5 that Morant would be reevaluated in two weeks. That window is approaching, meaning a decision on whether he returns or is shut down for the season could come soon.

Morant has publicly said he hopes to play again this season.

Clarke was given a similar two-week reevaluation timeline on March 1, so an update on his status is also expected in the coming days.

The longer Morant and Clarke remain sidelined, the more unlikely it becomes that either returns this season.

What is the status of Cedric Coward?

Expecting Morant or Clarke to suit up again would be optimistic.

Even beyond those two, Memphis is carefully managing other players. Ty Jerome (right calf) and Cedric Coward (right knee) have not played in back-to-back games since suffering their injuries. With three back-to-back sets remaining, both are likely to miss additional games.

The Grizzlies have the ability to sign two players to 10-day hardship contracts due to their injury situation. They recently used those spots to add DeJon Jarreau and Tyler Burton. Once those deals expire, the Grizzlies can either re-sign them for a second 10-day stint or explore other options for depth.

Jahmai Mashack, Javon Small, Cam Spencer, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson and Oliver-Maxence Prosper are expected to take on the bulk of the minutes for the remainder of the season.

Long-term outlook for Grizzlies

The silver lining for Memphis is that the players sidelined for the season are expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2026-27 campaign.

Edey’s timeline will be one to watch. An orthopedic doctor told The Commercial Appeal it would be a “big win” if Edey returns within six months — a timeline that would put him back just before the start of preseason practices.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies injury updates, outlook for rest of season, Ja Morant, Zach Edey