Herro, who is dealing with a rib injury, is listed as probable for Saturday’s contest against the Grizzlies. He returned from a 15-game absence on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, coming off the bench for 23 minutes and producing strong numbers in his first game back. His performance immediately reinforced how vital he remains to Miami’s offensive structure.

He appears on track to play in the second game of Miami’s back-to-back set, though the Heat are expected to monitor his workload closely as he continues easing back into full rhythm. The coaching staff must balance competitiveness with caution, prioritizing long-term health while pursuing another road win.

Powell, who is managing an illness, is also listed as probable. He logged 25 minutes in Miami’s 128 to 97 victory over Atlanta on Friday, finishing with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal while shooting efficiently from the free throw line. His availability would provide additional scoring depth on the perimeter.

How both teams enter the matchup

In Friday’s win over Atlanta, Herro led the Heat with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench, while Bam Adebayo added 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Miami displayed balanced scoring and defensive intensity, elements they will need to replicate against Memphis.

Memphis enters Saturday’s contest with a 21-33 record after defeating the Utah Jazz at home on Friday night. Despite their overall struggles this NBA season, the Grizzlies showed resilience in that performance and will look to build momentum.

Olivier Maxence Prosper paced the Grizzlies with 23 points and five rebounds off the bench in the win over Utah, while GG Jackson contributed 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. With both teams monitoring injuries and rotations, depth and execution could determine the outcome. Jerome, who missed Friday’s game for injury management, is off the injury report and is expected to return, adding another variable to an already compelling matchup.

Leading up to the deadline, rumors suggested the Grizzlies were prepared to move on from Morant as the face of the franchise. However, no deal reached the finish line, and the point guard will remain with the team through at least the end of the season.

Despite the lack of a mid-season move, reports indicate the franchise have already made a firm decision regarding the 26-year-old’s future. “Memphis intends to trade Morant over the summer, according to league sources. The team have the patience for any short-term pain that keeping him past the deadline may cause. Don’t view the Grizzlies’ non-action on him as a change in direction,” reported Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

While the Grizzlies did not move Morant, they made another significant move that signals his time in Memphis is nearing an end. The franchise traded arguably their second-best player, Jaren Jackson Jr., to the Utah Jazz. In return, Memphis received a haul that included three first-round picks.

Combined with the earlier trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, the Grizzlies have amassed a total of seven first-round picks. This massive draft capital provides the franchise with the flexibility to potentially attach assets in a future Morant deal to ensure they receive a high-value return.

Morant holds ‘negative value,’ reports say

While the Grizzlies were keen on exploring the market for Morant during this window, reports suggest Memphis received very little interest from other NBA teams for the two-time All-Star.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst reported on Get Up that Morant currently carries ‘negative value‘ in trade discussions. This suggests that rival teams are unwilling to take on his contract unless the Grizzlies attach draft compensation to the deal.

“When I say he has no value, I don’t even think that’s accurate,” Windhorst said. “I think he’s got what they call in the league negative value. What that means is teams were not willing to take Ja Morant unless they also attached draft compensation. In other words, you have to pay us to take him”.

It has been a difficult season for Morant, who is currently sidelined with a UCL sprain in his left elbow and has not appeared in a game since late January. His status for the remainder of the season remains uncertain. His production has also dipped, with Morant averaging 19.5 points (third-lowest of his career) and a career-low 3.3 rebounds, in what appears to be his final chapter with the Grizzlies.

According to Clutch Points, the teams interest in the Grizzlies‘ star are not interested offering a first-round pick as part of trade negotiations for Morant. This situation complicates their efforts to secure a deal with organizations interested in acquiring the NBA star.

“General Manager Zach Kleiman and the Grizzlies’ management are prepared to part ways with Morant before the trade deadline, provided they can obtain a first-round pick,” Clutch Points reported, highlighting the team’s interest in finalizing a trade. Nevertheless, securing a first-round pick has proven to be an obstacle.

With mere hours remaining to finalize a deal, the Grizzlies are reportedly awaiting a definitive offer involving a first-round pick in the discussions for the dynamic NBA star, who promises to be a valuable asset to any roster across the league.

Morant’s reported suitors

Despite the challenges surrounding Morant’s situation with the Grizzlies, anticipation builds regarding the star’s potential destination as the trade deadline approaches.

His potential suitors include:

• Miami Heat
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Sacramento Kings
• Toronto Raptors
• Houston Rockets

Uncertainty lingers over Morant’s future, compounded by his recent UCL elbow sprain, which limits his market value until an expected return at the end of February. This injury could contribute to the Grizzlies’ demand for additional compensation in a trade deal involving Morant.

“Breaking: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr., to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Grizzlies acquire Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks,” Charania announced via his X account.

As the trade deadline approaches, a blockbuster deal has captured attention amid rising speculation about potential moves. Notably, James Harden has emerged as a likely candidate for a trade, with indications pointing towards his departure from the Los Angeles Clippers for the remainder of the season.

Uncertainty looms over the anticipated announcements concerning other players in the market, as various organizations are eager to strengthen their rosters to secure the best possible finish this season.

Projected Grizzlies lineup

Following this unexpected transaction, the Memphis Grizzlies are set to hit the court with the following lineup for the balance of the regular season:

• Ty Jerome
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
• Jaylen Wells
• Taylor Hendricks
• Santi Aldama

Projected Jazz lineup

As reported by Charania, the Utah Jazz will move forward with the following projected lineup for the rest of the season:

• Keyonte George
• Ace Bailey
• Lauri Markkanen
• Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Walker Kessler (RFA)

Amid that context, rumors intensify around a possible move involving Morant before the trade deadline. According to Michael Scotto, league executives have discussed for months the idea that Morant wants to play in Miami at some point in his career, fueling speculation about a potential blockbuster deal.

The Miami Heat possess several tradable contracts in the $26 million to $31 million range, including guard Tyler Herro, wing Andrew Wiggins, and the expiring deal of guard Terry Rozier. That financial flexibility places Miami among the teams best positioned to engage in serious discussions should Memphis decide to move its star.

Interest in Miami gains further traction after reports surface about Morant’s personal ties to the city. Records show that on Dec. 23, 2025, Morant is listed as an executor of a trust that purchased a $3.2 million home in Miami. The transaction takes place more than two weeks before sources confirm that the Grizzlies are considering a trade, although The Commercial Appeal withholds the property address for safety reasons.

Ja Morant’s current situation

Morant is currently in his seventh season with the Grizzlies and remains the most accomplished player the franchise has developed in recent years. Since entering the league, he has won NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA Most Improved Player, and earned two NBA All-Star selections, firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s most electric guards.

However, injuries and suspensions significantly limited his availability over the past several seasons. Morant has two years remaining on his contract, with approximately $87 million still owed, but durability concerns loom large as he has never played 70 games in a single season.

Since the 2021–22 campaign, Morant has appeared in just 212 total games, including the playoffs, while missing 178 contests due to injuries and suspensions. This season, he is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists per game, while shooting a career-low 40.1 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from three-point range, numbers that raise questions about his market value and complicate any potential trade negotiations.

The league’s presence overseas is nothing new, but each international game carries its own context. Scheduling, market growth and competitive balance all play a role in why certain teams cross the Atlantic.

As the ball goes up today, the reasons behind this London setting stretch beyond logistics. The matchup reflects the NBA’s long-term vision and the subtle strategy behind exporting the game.

Why is the Grizzlies vs Magic game in London?

The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic are meeting in London as part of the NBA’s expanding international strategy, which brings regular-season games to global cities to grow the league’s fanbase beyond North America.

This matchup at The O2 Arena isn’t an exhibition, it’s a scheduled regular-season contest that carries official standings implications for both teams. This London appearance is part of a broader slate of NBA Europe Games in 2026, which also included a regular-season matchup in Berlin last week.

The league has committed to a three-year plan of playing games across the continent, including future regular-season stops in Manchester and Paris in 2027 and 2028.

Beyond the on-court competition, the NBA’s presence in London includes community outreach, youth clinics and fan events designed to deepen basketball’s footprint in the UK. Officials from both the league and local authorities see these games as opportunities not just for sport, but for cultural connection and long-term growth of the game overseas.

The Magic and the Grizzlies arrive far from home, carrying different timelines but similar ambitions. This isn’t just a neutral court, it’s a stage shaped by league strategy, global reach, and a growing European appetite for the game.

Behind the novelty of the location lies a larger story about why this matchup matters now. Calendar decisions, commercial goals and basketball politics quietly converge, turning one night in Berlin into something bigger than a game.

Why the NBA chose Berlin for Magic vs. Grizzlies

The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies will face off in Berlin on January 15, 2026, because the NBA is deliberately expanding its regular-season footprint into Europe — and Germany is now part of that strategy.

This matchup, set for the Uber Arena, marks the first time an NBA regular-season game will ever be played in Germany, a milestone in the league’s international agenda.

This contest is part of a broader three-year series of NBA regular-season games across Europe, with future stops planned in London, Manchester and Paris through 2028. The league hopes these events will deepen connections with European fans, grow the sport’s popularity, and showcase top talent on a global stage beyond the United States and Canada.

For the Magic, playing in Berlin has extra resonance: German NBA players Franz and Moritz Wagner, along with Tristan da Silva, are on the roster, making the game a kind of homecoming and adding personal narrative to the league’s global push. Fans in the city and across Europe are turning out in huge numbers, underlining the appetite for NBA basketball far from its traditional arenas.

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, the Miami Heat have emerged as a more attractive option than the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves for Morant and his camp, positioning Miami as the frontrunner.

“There are teams with varying levels of interest in Morant — Minnesota, Sacramento, and Milwaukee to name a few — but Miami has quickly emerged as an attractive option to Morant and his camp in recent days, sources say.”

However, no agreement or advanced discussions have taken place. “There have been preliminary discussions between the Heat and Grizzlies regarding Morant’s availability,” Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported. “Those talks have not yet escalated, and a deal is not imminent, with a source characterizing the Heat’s link to Morant as ‘premature.’”

Morant’s current stats

This NBA season, Morant is averaging 19 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. While this marks his lowest scoring average since his rookie season, it is tied to ongoing challenges within the franchise.

His shooting has been a concern, as he is connecting on just 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from three-point range. Those efficiency numbers are below expectations for a player with such a major offensive role.

Still, Morant remains one of the league’s most dangerous guards. His explosiveness with the ball, ability to attack the rim, and vision as a passer continue to stand out.

What fuels the trade rumors

Amid these swirling rumors, one development has certainly caught attention: according to Miami Heat insider Dru Star, Morant purchased a $3.2 million home in Miami just three weeks ago.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Spurs have listed Wembanyama as questionable due to a left knee bone bruise for tonight’s matchup in Memphis.

While Wembanyama participated in five-on-five drills during practice and traveled with the team, his status remains day-to-day. A final determination on whether he plays is expected to be a game-time decision.

Wembanyama has been sidelined since suffering a left knee hyperextension during a New Year’s Eve victory over the Knicks, missing the team’s last two games. With a high-profile matchup against the Lakers looming next, the Spurs are weighing whether to rest the Frenchman tonight to ensure he is fully recovered.

The Spurs fared well without their main star

There is no doubt about the impact Victor Wembanyama has on the floor when he’s healthy. The Frenchman is averaging team highs with 24.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks in under 30 minutes per contest, while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc.

However, his teammates have managed to maintain a high level of play, ensuring that his absence has been remarkably manageable. Wembanyama has missed 14 games so far this season, yet the Spurs have achieved an impressive 10-4 record without their star on the court.

Injury report for both teams

The San Antonio Spurs enter tonight’s matchup with a relatively healthy roster. Only Devin Vassell (left adductor strain) has been officially ruled out, while Victor Wembanyama could join him on the sidelines depending on how his injury evolves before tip-off.

Conversely, the Memphis Grizzlies are facing a much more difficult situation. The home side has six players already confirmed as out: Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr., Brandon Clarke, Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome, and John Konchar are all unavailable for tonight. Furthermore, franchise star Ja Morant is listed as questionable, along with Vince Williams Jr.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Grizzlies have listed Morant as questionable due to a left ankle sprain for tonight’s matchup against the Bucks in Memphis.

Morant‘s return would provide a massive boost for a Memphis team that has navigated a season riddled with injuries. The franchise cornerstone previously missed 10 games after suffering a right calf issue against the Cavaliers on November 15th.

Since returning from that ailment, he has only appeared in two contests—a loss to the Jazz and a win over the Clippers—before spraining his left ankle, which forced him to miss the Grizzlies‘ last four games.

Despite his absences, Memphis has remained competitive, though Morant’s presence clearly takes their game to the next level. The 2019 second-overall pick is averaging 17.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists through 14 games this season.

Grizzlies could get another key piece back

In addition to Morant’s potential return, the Grizzlies may also welcome back rookie Cedric Coward. The No. 11 overall pick is currently listed as questionable with left heel soreness, which sidelined him during the team’s recent loss in Utah.

Coward has been a bright spot for a short-handed roster that currently has six players ruled out, including Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, John Konchar, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Vince Williams Jr.

On the other side of the ball, the Bucks are facing their own depth issues. Milwaukee has officially ruled out Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf strain) and Taurean Prince (neck), while Gary Trent Jr. is considered questionable with a calf contusion.

Harden has appeared in 24 of the Clippers’ 25 games this season and was listed as questionable ahead of the game, but he will play against the Grizzlies. He logs more than 40 minutes in a Dec. 11 loss to Houston, and it appears he comes out of that game dealing with some physical discomfort.

If Harden is unable to suit up, it becomes another hurdle for the Clippers, who have dealt with injuries throughout the season. Derrick Jones Jr. continues to recover from an MCL injury, while Kawhi Leonard missed time earlier in the year before returning to consistent minutes in recent weeks.

The 2025–26 season continues to be a nightmare for the Clippers. They sit at 6–19 overall and ride a three-game losing streak, which drops them into the No. 13 spot in the Western Conference standings and places added pressure on every upcoming contest.

Harden’s numbers

This injury is new for the veteran guard, and the Clippers move cautiously given the heavy workload Harden carries this season. He averages 26.6 points, 7.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, numbers that reflect his importance on both ends of the floor.

If Harden does not suit up on Monday, the Clippers are expected to lean more heavily on Leonard to carry the scoring load on offense. Without their primary playmaker, the team becomes extremely short-handed against a Grizzlies squad capable of taking advantage.

Calf contusion as a recurring injury

Several players across the NBA are dealing with similar calf contusion issues, including Anthony Davis and Evan Mobley, who both appear on injury reports for the same reason. When looking at the data, calf injuries have taken a significant jump from last season at the 20-game mark, according to Tom Haberstroh of Yahoo Sports.

“This time last season, there were 18 calf injuries at the 20-game mark. This season, it’s up to 25 incidents, representing an increase of nearly 40%,” Haberstroh wrote. “More significant, however, is the elongated recovery timeline of these injuries. Per Stotts’ data, the number of games lost due to calf injuries, through 20 games played, skyrocketed from 36 to 108. A tripling of last season’s total.”