A homecoming of sorts ended early and with an injury scare. Facing the team that drafted him, Portland’s new point guard was having a solid night until a muscle problem forced him to the bench.
Ja Morant left the Portland Trail Blazers’ 124 to 103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in the fourth quarter with a left hamstring injury.
What happened to Ja Morant?
Ja Morant had 14 points and three assists in 23 minutes before leaving the game. He was ruled out for the rest of the night. Memphis pulled away for a comfortable win.
The Blazers coach said after the game that Morant felt a twinge in his hamstring. He said he hoped to have more answers Friday and that he hoped the injury was nothing major. The coach’s tone suggested the team was hopeful but would not rush him back.
The team did not immediately announce any tests or a timeline. Hamstring injuries are often evaluated with imaging to determine how severe the strain is.
Why was the game special for Ja Morant?
It was Morant’s first game against Memphis since joining Portland. He spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Grizzlies, who drafted him second overall in 2019. Memphis fans watched him grow from a skinny prospect out of Murray State into a franchise star.
Ja Morant became one of the league’s most exciting players in Memphis, known for spectacular dunks and fearless drives to the rim. His highlight dunks made him a fixture on social media and one of the most popular players among young fans.
He won Rookie of the Year in 2020, earned the Most Improved Player award in 2022 and made two All-Star teams. He helped lead the Grizzlies to the playoffs several times, including a run to the Western Conference semifinals in 2022.
His time in Memphis also included setbacks, including injuries and suspensions, before the team traded him this offseason. The trade sent him to Portland for a fresh start.
How has Morant played for Portland?
Through four games, Morant has averaged 16.3 points and 6.3 assists in 26.7 minutes a game. Those numbers are below his peak in Memphis, when he averaged more than 27 points a game in the 2021 to 2022 season.
The Blazers won their first three games before the loss to Memphis, their first defeat of the season.
He has served as a key playmaker for a young Portland roster looking to take a step forward. The Blazers have built around young players and see Morant as a veteran leader who can speed up their timeline.
How serious could a hamstring injury be?
Hamstring injuries are common in basketball and can range from minor strains that heal in days to tears that keep players out for weeks. Recovery time depends on the grade of the strain, with mild cases often costing a player only a game or two.
Players who return too quickly risk reinjuring the muscle, so teams often take a cautious approach. Speed and explosiveness, central to Morant’s game, put extra stress on the hamstring muscles.
Ja Morant has dealt with several injuries in recent seasons, including a shoulder surgery that ended his 2023 to 2024 season.
What is next for Ja Morant and the Blazers?
Portland will wait for more information on Friday before deciding Morant’s status for upcoming games. The Blazers have a busy schedule ahead as the season moves into November.
For Ja Morant, the hope is that the twinge is minor and that his strong start in Portland can continue. Fans in both cities will be watching for an update.
