The Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs took the court on Tuesday, November 18, 2025Memphis with rosters shredded by injuries — a matchup that felt more like a survival test than a basketball game. The Grizzlies, sitting at 4-10, were without six key players, including franchise cornerstone Ja Morant, who remains out with a lingering calf and ankle injury and no return timeline. Meanwhile, the Spurs were missing their two most dynamic frontcourt talents: Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. The result? Two teams barely recognizable from their preseason projections, forced to lean on role players and rookies just to field a lineup.
Grizzlies’ Backcourt in Shambles
For the Grizzlies, the injury crisis isn’t just deep — it’s catastrophic. Morant, who missed his 12th straight game, has been sidelined since early November with what’s now described as a persistent ankle issue, not just a calf strain. His absence leaves a void no one on the roster can fill. Scotty Pippen Jr., the team’s second-most reliable playmaker, is out until mid-January after surgery on his left big toe. That’s more than six weeks gone. And then there’s Javon Small, ruled out with turf toe — a notoriously stubborn injury that lingers. Add in Ty Jerome (calf) and Vince Williams Jr. (ankle, questionable), and Memphis has zero healthy, experienced guards ready to handle minutes against a Spurs team that still has defensive teeth.
It’s not just the starters. The depth chart is bare. Olivier-Maxence Prosper (quad contusion) was listed as questionable — and didn’t play. The Grizzlies’ starting backcourt for the game? Two players who were in the G League a month ago. One of them, Cedric Coward, is averaging 14 points and six rebounds, but he’s never started an NBA game before. The team’s offense? Stagnant. They averaged just 98.3 points per game in their last five contests — 28th in the league.
Spurs’ Frontcourt Collapses
The Spurs weren’t spared. Victor Wembanyama’s left calf strain — confirmed in the NBA CMS report at 8:30 PM on November 20 — is the latest blow in a season already derailed by injuries. He’s missed 11 of the last 14 games. His absence isn’t just about scoring; it’s about spacing, rim protection, and forcing defenses to adjust. Without him, opponents sag off the perimeter, daring the Spurs’ shooters to make them pay. And they haven’t.
Compounding the problem: Kristaps Porzingis. His status flipped three times in 24 hours on November 20 — from questionable to available, then back to questionable. He ended up playing, but with clear limitations. He moved like a man with a bad knee, and his 11 points in 24 minutes were a shadow of his usual impact. The Spurs’ frontcourt rotation now includes 20-year-old Zaccharie Risacher (hip contusion, questionable) and two G League players on assignment — Dylan Harper and Nikola Djurisic. That’s not a rotation. That’s a fire drill.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
Both teams are in full rebuild mode. The Grizzlies, once a Western Conference contender, are now playing for draft positioning. Their 4-10 record isn’t a fluke — it’s a consequence of losing Morant for the long haul and failing to develop adequate depth. The Spurs, meanwhile, are gambling that Wembanyama will return healthy next season. But right now, they’re just trying to keep the lights on.
Coaches are improvising. Memphis’ head coach is running pick-and-roll sets with 6’10” center Zach Edey handling the ball — a move that looks surreal but makes sense when you have no guards. San Antonio’s staff is asking Stephon Castle’s replacement, a rookie named Jalen Bridges, to guard elite point guards — a mismatch waiting to happen.
The ripple effect? Playoff races are being reshaped. The Warriors, Nuggets, and Kings — all chasing the final Western Conference spots — are getting easier matchups against these weakened teams. Meanwhile, fans are watching games that feel like exhibitions. Attendance in Memphis has dropped 22% since November 1. The energy is gone.
What’s Next?
The Grizzlies’ next injury update is scheduled for November 25, after their game against the Clippers. Morant’s return is still uncertain, but if he’s not back by December 1, the team will likely shut him down for the season — a painful but pragmatic move. Pippen Jr. is locked in until mid-January. That’s 15 more games without their second-best guard.
For the Spurs, Wembanyama’s rehab timeline is the biggest question. The team says he’s “progressing,” but they’re not giving dates. If he’s not back by early January, the Spurs will miss the playoffs for the third straight year. Porzingis, meanwhile, is a wildcard — his knee soreness could flare up again at any moment.
Behind the Numbers
The stats tell the story:
- Grizzlies’ offensive rating without Morant: 104.2 (27th in NBA)
- Spurs’ defensive rating without Wembanyama: 121.7 (29th in NBA)
- Memphis’ win probability when both Morant and Pippen Jr. are out: 18% (per NBA Advanced Stats)
- San Antonio’s scoring average in games without Wembanyama: 105.4 (down from 116.8 with him)
These aren’t just injuries. They’re systemic failures. The Grizzlies didn’t build depth. The Spurs didn’t plan for the inevitable. Now, they’re paying the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will Ja Morant be out, and what’s the risk of re-injury?
There’s no official timeline, but sources indicate Morant’s ankle injury is more complex than initially reported. He’s been cleared for light activity but not basketball-specific drills. Re-injury risk remains high if he returns before full strength — a concern given his history of calf strains. Most experts believe a return before mid-December is unlikely, and a full shutdown until January is now a real possibility.
Why is Scotty Pippen Jr.’s toe injury taking so long to heal?
Pippen Jr. underwent surgery for a left big toe injury — turf toe — which is notoriously slow to recover due to constant pressure on the joint during basketball movements. Recovery typically takes 8–12 weeks, and he’s already missed 14 games. His mid-January return target suggests a 10-week timeline, which is aggressive. If he rushes back, the risk of chronic pain or arthritis increases significantly.
Is Kristaps Porzingis really available, or is the Spurs’ reporting inconsistent?
The Spurs’ injury reporting has been erratic. Porzingis was listed as questionable at 7:30 AM, available at 3:30 PM, and questionable again at 8:30 PM on November 20. This suggests his knee soreness is day-to-day and likely managed with pain relief. He played in the game, but his minutes were limited. The inconsistency isn’t negligence — it’s a tactic to avoid tipping off opponents about his true physical state.
How are the Grizzlies and Spurs planning for the future with so many injuries?
Both teams are prioritizing draft position. Memphis has the 12th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and is likely to move into the top 5 if they continue losing. The Spurs, with the 11th pick, are also in play for a top-five selection. They’re evaluating prospects like Zaccharie Risacher and Dylan Harper as potential long-term pieces. The message from both front offices: survive the season, then rebuild.
