On the eve of a key Western Conference clash, the Memphis Grizzlies face yet another lineup question. Forward-center Santi Aldama is listed as questionable with right knee injury management for the Grizzlies-Rockets matchup on January 26, 2026. It’s a critical watch: Aldama is at risk of missing his third straight game, and his status could sway how Memphis approaches its frontcourt minutes and game plan.

The official NBA Injury Report at 3:45 PM ET confirms Aldama’s questionable tag. It continues a recent run of stops and starts for the 24-year-old, who has also dealt with right ankle soreness and right knee soreness in recent weeks. For a Memphis team juggling multiple injuries, every hour before tipoff matters.

What the latest injury report tells us

“Right knee injury management” is the key phrase on Memphis’ sheet. It signals that the team is trying to be careful with Aldama’s workload rather than pushing him too hard. Given he has missed multiple recent games, the staff must decide whether a short-term rest now will prevent a longer absence later.

The timing also matters. With the designation coming in the afternoon update, Memphis will likely test Aldama pregame and make a final call close to tip. If he cannot go, it becomes the third straight contest without his size and shooting.

“If Aldama sits again, who rebounds and who stretches the floor?”

Why Santi Aldama’s role is so valuable

Aldama is averaging 14.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this season. That production does not just show up in a box score — it shapes how the Grizzlies play. At 24, he has grown into a trusted frontcourt piece who can space the floor on offense and compete on the glass.

When he is available, Memphis can mix lineups more easily. He helps open driving lanes by pulling his defender out to the perimeter and gives guards a reliable kick-out target. On defense, he helps finish possessions with rebounds, which limits second-chance points. Without him, the Grizzlies often need to choose between size and shooting. With him, they get a bit of both.

If Aldama is out: the next-man-up plan

Should Aldama remain sidelined, Memphis will likely lean on a committee approach. The immediate names in the frame: John Konchar, Vince Williams, and GG Jackson. Each brings something different.

• Konchar is a steady connector who can rebound his position and move the ball.
• Williams offers energy on both ends and can guard multiple spots on the wing.
• Jackson adds scoring pop and length, useful for contesting shots and running the floor.

None of these players are a one-to-one replacement for Aldama’s blend of size and shooting, so the Grizzlies will likely spread the duties. Expect a rotating cast: one player might handle defense and boards, another spacing, and another the transition push.

“Memphis doesn’t need a hero — just 48 minutes of smart, scrappy basketball.”

Memphis’ wider injury picture: a tough stretch

Aldama’s status comes on top of a long list of absences. The Grizzlies remain without key names:

• Ja Morant (elbow) — out until at least Feb. 20
• Brandon Clarke (calf) — out until at least Feb. 20
• Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) — out until at least Feb. 20
• Zach Edey (ankle) — out until at least Mar. 4
• Ty Jerome (calf) — expected out until at least Jan. 30

That is a lot of missing playmaking, size, and shot creation. It forces the coaching staff to manage minutes tightly and to keep the game plan simple: limit turnovers, win the glass, and find clean shots. When you are shorthanded, the easy things matter most.

What it means against the Rockets

The opponent in focus is Houston. While specific Rockets details are not the point here, the style basics matter. Without Aldama, the Grizzlies must protect the paint, chase long rebounds, and create good spacing on offense. Second-chance points and fast-break chances can swing games when the rotation is thin.

Memphis will want early energy from its depth pieces. If Konchar and Williams can set the tone with rebounds and defense, and if Jackson can hit a few timely shots, the Grizzlies can stabilize the game’s flow even without a full-strength frontcourt.

“Win the boards, win the tempo — that’s the Grizzlies’ path tonight.”

How Memphis should manage the decision

There is no reason to rush Aldama if he is not ready. Knee issues can linger, and the term “management” suggests the Grizzlies are playing the long game. A late scratch would hurt for one night, but pushing too soon could cost more time later.

Look for signs pregame: light movement work, how he reacts to changes of direction, and whether the staff calls for any in-game minute limits. If he plays, expect a careful ramp-up. If he sits, expect Memphis to mix lineups quickly to find a working balance.

Bottom line

Santi Aldama’s questionable status leaves Memphis in wait-and-see mode before facing the Rockets. His 14.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, along with his floor spacing and rebounding, are hard to replace. But the Grizzlies have a path: defend first, share the ball, and get collective help from Konchar, Williams, and Jackson.

Whether Aldama plays or not, the message is simple: keep the game tidy, control the glass, and trust the group. If Memphis can do that, it can ride out the storm — and keep its season on track while key pieces heal.