The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025-26 campaign has been defined more by the trainer’s room than the win column, and that trend continued Tuesday with a major Memphis Grizzlies injury update. The team officially announced that guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and forward Santi Aldama have both undergone successful surgeries and will miss the remainder of the season.
The news comes as a significant blow to a roster that has already been decimated by long-term absences to its core stars. While both players are expected to make full recoveries in time for the 2026-27 season, their absence leaves the Grizzlies even thinner as they navigate the final stretch of a challenging year. Memphis currently sits at 23-44, mired in an eight-game losing streak and falling further out of the Western Conference play-in race.
Details of the Surgeries for Pippen Jr. and Aldama
According to the team’s medical report, Scotty Pippen Jr. underwent a sesamoidectomy on his right big toe. This procedure involves the removal of a small bone in the tendon to alleviate persistent pain and inflammation. This marks the second time this season Pippen has dealt with such an issue; he underwent a similar procedure on his left foot back in October, which delayed his season debut until February.
Meanwhile, Santi Aldama underwent arthroscopic surgery to address ongoing discomfort in the trochlea of his right knee. In addition to the surgical procedure, Aldama received an orthobiologic injection designed to stimulate healing and reduce joint inflammation. The 6-foot-11 forward had been a bright spot for Memphis before the injury, but the persistent nature of the knee issue ultimately necessitated a surgical intervention to ensure his long-term health.
Impact on the Grizzlies' Rotation and Stats
The loss of these two contributors leaves a massive void in the Grizzlies' rotation. Santi Aldama was in the midst of a career-best season, appearing in 43 games and averaging 14 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest. His versatility as a floor-spacing big man was critical for a team lacking consistent offensive options. Without him, the Grizzlies lose a reliable secondary scorer and a key interior defender.
Scotty Pippen Jr., though limited to just 10 games this season due to his earlier foot surgery, had made an immediate impact upon his return. He averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting nearly 39% from three-point range. His ability to facilitate the offense and provide point-of-attack defense was a rare glimmer of hope for the Memphis backcourt during a season plagued by turnover.
A Growing List of Sidelined Stars
This latest Memphis Grizzlies injury update adds to what has been an unprecedented medical log for the franchise. The team is already without several high-profile players who have been ruled out for the season or face indefinite timelines:
- Ja Morant: The star point guard has played just 20 games this season and has missed the last 25 outings with a left elbow injury.
- Zach Edey: The rookie center is out for the season with a left ankle injury.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: The veteran guard is sidelined for the year following surgery on his right fifth finger.
- Brandon Clarke: Currently battling a right calf strain.
With so many key contributors out, the Grizzlies have been forced to rely heavily on G League call-ups and young prospects. The lack of continuity has hampered head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s ability to establish a rhythm, leading to the team’s current position near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
While the remainder of the 2025-26 season will likely focus on player development and improving lottery odds, the Grizzlies remain optimistic about the future. The team confirmed that both Pippen and Aldama’s procedures were successful and that they should be fully healthy for training camp next fall.
For Memphis, the focus now shifts to the 2026 offseason, where a healthy roster—including a returning Ja Morant and a matured Zach Edey—could quickly propel the team back into contention. Until then, the Grizzlies will have to dig deep into their bench to finish out the final weeks of the regular season.
Sources & Original Reporting
