NBA opening week spotlight centers on Victor Wembanyama’s healthy return and Zion Williamson’s best conditioning in years, with LeBron James sidelined early for the Lakers and Kyrie Irving ramping up for Dallas. Injury updates ripple across the league: Embiid’s knee uncertainty, Garland’s early absence, Morant’s ankle risk, and the evolving workloads for Porzingis, Ball, and Markkanen. Fantasy managers should prep for early heat checks, rotation shuffles, and opportunistic adds as stars scale into the season.

Desmond Bane’s move to Orlando Magic forces Memphis to retool around a younger core, with Cedric Coward stepping in as a versatile wing alongside new veterans Ty Jerome and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey opening the season sidelined leaves Ja Morant carrying the early load, but the coach stresses the coming together of the injury-plagued lineup and the development path for Jaylen Wells.

Morant projects a steady leadership arc as the Grizzlies navigate an 82-game grind, banking on December returns to spark a late-season push. The motto speed kills frames the plan as Memphis leans on bench depth and a patient, process-driven approach, echoing a Celtics-like late surge but with a far different early injury timeline. The period sets up meaningful fantasy pivots and rotation battles.

In the long view, Memphis aims to survive the early stretch, develop young players, and accelerate once the stars are back. If health aligns, the team can flip the switch and reestablish their playoff trajectory, leveraging a strengthened veteran group to pace Morant’s high-tempo attack.

Ja Morant is week-to-week with a sprained left ankle, clouding Memphis’ sights as the season looms and a trio of starters deal with injuries.

Zach Edey had left ankle laxity addressed with June surgery, aiming for a mid-to-late November return that thins the Grizzlies’ interior depth early in the campaign.

Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent turf toe surgery with a four-to-six week recovery, putting Oct. 22 at New Orleans in doubt and amplifying Morant’s risk profile given last season’s torn labrum and suspension. Fantasy managers should recalibrate early projections accordingly.

Ja Morant sprained his left ankle in practice and is week-to-week, delaying Memphis' preseason and start of the season. Scotty Pippen Jr. figures to carry primary playmaking duties as the Grizzlies navigate Morant’s absence and a thinner big-man group.

Injuries also loom: Jaren Jackson Jr. rehabbing turf toe, Zach Edey returning from ankle surgery, and Brandon Clarke sidelined with knee synovitis. Offseason moves reshaped the guard depth, with Desmond Bane traded to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Anthony waived) and four first-round picks.

Memphis opens preseason vs Detroit and the regular season vs New Orleans on Oct. 22, a daunting start as Morant recovers and the rotation re-stabilizes.