23Breakdown
Performance
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January 10, 2026
Scores 13 points with nine boards
Coward supplied 13 points (3-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), nine rebounds and four assists across 25 minutes during Friday's 117-116 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis
Coward did a nice job on the glass and getting easy buckets at the stripe, but he also committed some careless turnovers and finished with a season-high five giveaways. The turnovers were a team-wide issue, with Memphis committing 17 on the evening compared to Oklahoma City's six, and the Thunder outscored the Grizzlies 25-5 in points off turnovers.
January 10, 2026
Cleared to play vs. OKC
Coward (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Thunder.
Analysis
Coward has been given the green light to play Friday after missing the Grizzlies' last two games due to a sprained left ankle, and his return should result in GG Jackson reverting to a bench role. Coward entered Memphis' starting lineup permanently Nov. 15 against the Cavaliers, and in his 21 outings since he has averaged 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 threes over 26.7 minutes per game.
January 8, 2026
Could return Friday
Coward (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Thunder.
Analysis
Coward is in danger of missing his third straight game while dealing with a left ankle sprain. Vince Williams (knee) is also questionable, meaning Cam Spencer and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could be in for big nights if either player is eventually ruled out.
January 7, 2026
Another absence coming
Coward (ankle) will not play Wednesday against the Suns.
Analysis
Coward will be sidelined for a second straight game Wednesday, with his next chance to play coming Friday against the Thunder. GG Jackson logged 22 minutes Tuesday against the Spurs, but he didn't have much success with two points (1-6 FG), seven boards and one assist.
January 5, 2026
Ruled out with ankle sprain
Coward is out for Tuesday's game against the Spurs due to a left ankle sprain.
Analysis
Coward turned his ankle in Sunday's defeat to the Lakers and needs to sit out at least one contest to recuperate. The rookie first-rounder faces a quick turnaround Wednesday against the Suns. GG Jackson started the second half Sunday, and it's possible either he or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will replace Coward in the starting lineup Tuesday.
January 5, 2026
Doesn't return Sunday
Coward (ankle) exited Sunday's 120-114 loss to the Lakers in the second quarter and did not return.
Analysis
Coward landed on an opposing player's foot and injured his left ankle after playing just under 13 minutes. He finished with 16 points (6-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Despite not playing at all in the second half, the rookie first-rounder still ended the game as Memphis' second-leading scorer. Coward's next opportunity to suit up will come Tuesday against the Spurs. If he's forced to miss time, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and GG Jackson are candidates for an uptick in minutes.
January 5, 2026
Doubtful to return Sunday
Coward is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Lakers due to a left ankle injury.
Analysis
Coward landed on an opposing player's foot and limped to the locker room in the final minutes of the first half. The rookie first-rounder logged 13 minutes before picking up the ankle injury, posting 16 points (6-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. In the likely event he's unable to return, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and GG Jackson are candidates for an uptick in minutes the rest of the way.
January 5, 2026
Exits to locker room
Coward exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Lakers due to an apparent left leg injury, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis
Coward landed on an opposing player's foot and exited to the locker room with 2:59 remaining in the first half. If the rookie first-rounder is unable to return, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and GG Jackson are candidates for increased playing time for the already banged-up Grizzlies.