MEMPHIS (WVUE) - When the New Orleans Pelicans take the court in Memphis Wednesday night (Oct. 22), they can expect to face two-time NBA All-Star guard Ja Morant.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies...
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)(Brandon Dill | AP)
NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Memphis Grizzlies expect Ja Morant to play tomorrow when they host the Pelicans in their season opener. Morant had previously missed the entire preseason with an ankle injury.
The Grizzlies expect Ja Morant, after missing the entire preseason schedule due to an ankle injury, to play in Wednesday's season opener against visiting New Orleans.
But Memphis is poised to start the season without the injured Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. https://t.co/AWpMNwTqo2
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 20, 2025
Morant was drafted No. 2 overall in 2019 behind Zion Williamson, who was taken first overall the same year by New Orleans. Both star players have missed significant time on the floor over the course of their young careers due to injury, but both appear to be healthy and available Wednesday night.
Injuries to multiple players have hamstrung both the Grizzlies and Pelicans since their stars were drafted in 2019.
Last season, the Grizzlies looked like one of the strongest teams in the West in the first half of the season, led by the three-headed attack of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. However, they lost 10 of their final 16 games, leading to the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins.
After a first-round exit to the NBA Champion Thunder, the Grizzlies have retooled their roster by trading Bane, signing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and drafting Cedric Coward this offseason at No. 11 overall.
Despite their offseason changes, injuries are hitting the Grizzlies again on the eve of their season opener. Guards Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome will be missing from Morant’s supporting cast. Pippen will undergo surgery for a toe injury, and Jerome has a calf strain.
The Pelicans’ injury history is well documented, but they’re hoping their current health status can get them off to a better start this season. The team will be without two major rotation players, however.
Dejounte Murray is expected to return in either December or January from an Achilles injury. Center Kevon Looney will miss 2 to 3 weeks with a knee injury.
READ MORE Pelicans center Kevon Looney out with knee injury
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Derik Queen, whom the Pelicans traded up to draft at No. 13 overall, missed the entire preseason with a wrist injury. He was cleared for his NBA debut this week.
READ MORE Pelicans’ rookie Derik Queen cleared for full basketball activities after wrist surgery
For returning players, Williamson has referenced how his slimmed-down physique will buy him longevity as he accepts a true leadership role on the court.
READ MORE Zion Williamson says new Pelicans exec Joe Dumars is demanding -- and he likes itto
Swingman Trey Murphy III and dynamic defender Herb Jones are now both in the starting lineup after recovering from shoulder injuries.
The Pelicans may be on the road on Wednesday, but you can catch all the action live as the game will be aired on Fox 8 for viewers in the Greater New Orleans Area, and on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. Tip-off set for 7 p.m. Check your local listings.
The Pelicans return to New Orleans on Friday (Oct. 24), opening their home schedule against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
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