If you’ve tried to pin down the starting lineup Memphis Grizzlies are actually using this week, you’re probably just as confused as the guys at the betting window. One night Ja Morant is leading the break, and the next, he’s in street clothes because of a calf that just won't behave. It’s been that kind of year in Memphis.
Honestly, the "Grit and Grind" mantra has been replaced by "Next Man Up... No, Seriously, Who is Left?" Between the injuries to Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke, and the constant shuffling of rookie contracts, the Grizzlies’ bench looks more like a revolving door than a professional sports roster. Learn more on a related topic: this related article.
The Current State of the Starting Lineup Memphis Grizzlies
Right now, as of January 2026, the Grizzlies are basically a science experiment run by Coach Tuomas Iisalo. With the team hovering below .500, every game feels like a desperate attempt to find a group that actually fits together.
When everyone is healthy—which is rare—the lineup is supposed to be a nightmare for opponents. But since the calendar flipped to 2026, we’ve seen some wild variations. Here is what the rotation looks like heading into the London games and the late-January stretch. Additional reporting by CBS Sports delves into comparable perspectives on the subject.
Point Guard: Ja Morant (When He’s Not Limping) Ja is the engine. Period. When his right calf contusion isn't flaring up, he’s still that same explosive force that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night. But he's missed significant time recently. When he’s out, you’ve likely seen Cam Spencer or even Vince Williams Jr. trying to initiate the offense. It’s not the same.
Shooting Guard: Jaylen Wells Wells has been a bit of a surprise. The second-year wing out of Washington State has basically locked himself into the starting group by sheer necessity and solid shooting. He isn't flashy, but he’s reliable, which is a luxury this team doesn't have much of right now.
Small Forward: Cedric Coward Drafted out of Washington State as well (Memphis clearly has a "type"), Coward has been thrown into the fire. He’s raw. He makes rookie mistakes. But his length at 6'6" is one of the few things keeping the Grizzlies' perimeter defense from completely collapsing.
Power Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr. The anchor. Trip is the only reason the Grizzlies aren't at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. He’s averaging nearly 19 points and still swatting shots at an elite clip. He’s the one constant in an ever-changing starting lineup Memphis Grizzlies fans have had to endure this season.
Center: Jock Landale With Zach Edey sidelined until at least late February with that nasty ankle stress reaction, Landale has become the default starter. He’s a veteran, he knows where to stand, and he sets hard screens. He isn't the future, but he's the "now" while the medical staff tries to get the young giant back on his feet.
The Injury Bug is Eating the Roster Alive
You can't talk about the Memphis depth chart without talking about the hospital ward. It’s brutal.
- Zach Edey: The rookie sensation was the missing piece earlier in the season. His on/off numbers were staggering—the team was literally 18 points better per 100 possessions when he was on the floor. Now, he’s out for at least six more weeks.
- Desmond Bane: Wait, where’s Bane? Oh yeah, he’s in Orlando now. That trade still hurts local fans, and seeing him line up against his former team in the London international games is just salt in the wound.
- Brandon Clarke: Still recovering from a grade 2 calf strain. He’s targeted for a post-All-Star break return.
- Scotty Pippen Jr.: Had toe surgery in October and hasn't played a minute this season.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
A lot of national media types look at the 17-23 record and assume the Grizzlies are "tanking" or that the Ja Morant era is fading. That’s just lazy.
The reality is that this team has been playing with a "hardship" roster for months. They’ve been signing guys like Christian Koloko and Jahmai Mashack to 10-day contracts just to have enough bodies for practice. When you lose your starting center (Edey), your backup big (Clarke), and your spark-plug guard (Pippen), your win-loss record is going to take a hit. It doesn't matter who you are.
The weirdest part? Despite the mess, the Grizzlies still play at a top-10 pace. They aren't slowing down just because they’re hurt. They’re still running, they’re just doing it with a lot of guys you’ve never heard of.
The Impact of Coach Tuomas Iisalo
Iisalo took over this year and brought a very specific European influence to the Grizzlies’ schemes. He wants movement. He wants fast decisions.
But it’s hard to coach a "system" when your starting lineup Memphis Grizzlies changes every three days. He’s had to rely heavily on Jaren Jackson Jr. to play huge minutes, which is always a gamble given Trip’s history with foul trouble. If Jaren goes to the bench early, the Grizzlies' defense becomes a layup line.
What’s Next for the Memphis Rotation?
If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s the development of the young wings. Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward are getting "sink or swim" minutes that they wouldn't have seen on a healthy roster. By the time Edey and Clarke come back in March, the Grizzlies might actually have a bench that knows how to play under pressure.
Actionable Insights for Grizzlies Fans:
- Monitor the 10-Day Signings: The Grizzlies are currently using hardship exceptions. Watch for names like Christian Koloko; if these guys stick, it tells you the medical staff isn't optimistic about the regulars returning soon.
- Watch the Trade Deadline: February 5th is the date. With rumors swirling about Morant and the team clearly in a transition phase, don't be surprised if the roster looks even more different by mid-February.
- Adjust Fantasy Expectations: If you're holding Ja Morant, be prepared for "DNP - Rest" or late scratches. His calf is clearly a lingering issue that the team won't risk for a losing season.
- Focus on the "Post-All-Star" Target: Don't judge this team's potential until late February. That’s the earliest window for a "real" version of this lineup to take the floor together.
The Grizzlies are in a holding pattern. It’s frustrating, it’s messy, and it’s definitely not what fans expected after the 2024 draft. But in Memphis, the grind doesn't stop just because the stars are in the training room. They’ll keep throwing Landale and the rookies out there, hoping someone catches lightning in a bottle.
