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Memphis Grizzlies Announce Cedric Coward News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 5:50 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies are off to an ugly 4-9 start to the 2025-26 season, putting them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. In fact, they are only one game ahead of the bottom-seeded New Orleans Pelicans.

Memphis ranks 26th in offensive rating despite having one of the most explosive scorers in the league in Ja Morant, and they aren't any better defensively with a 23rd-ranked defensive rating.

Morant is averaging 18.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is putting up 17.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

Amid their struggles, however, there has been one bright spot for them: rookie forward Cedric Coward.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward talks to the media.© David Banks-Imagn Images

Coward is third on the team in scoring and rebounds with 14.2 points and 5.9 rebounds, and second in assists with 3.1 per game. With his strong start, he is now considered one of the top contenders for Rookie of the Year.

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they received some bad news regarding Coward on Friday. In their latest injury report, the 11th overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft has been listed as "Doubtful" for Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Grizzlies noted that Coward is dealing with right foot soreness.

Status Report: @memgrizz at @cavs, November 15: pic.twitter.com/WdTYVCFK66
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) November 14, 2025

A doubtful designation usually means there's a higher chance the player sits out rather than plays.

If Coward does end up sitting out, it will certainly be a big blow for a Grizzlies team that has lost its last three games and has only won once in its last eight contests.

In a bit of good news for Memphis, however, Morant has been removed from the injury report after missing their previous game against the Boston Celtics due to an ankle issue. That means the star guard is going to play against the Cavaliers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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