Ja Morant’s first game against the Memphis Grizzlies was always going to attract attention. The former face of the franchise spent seven seasons in Memphis, developed into one of the NBA’s most electrifying guards and became one of basketball’s most recognizable personalities.
His departure in June marked a significant change for both Morant and the organization that selected him with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Thursday night provided the first opportunity for the two sides to face each other.
Unfortunately for Morant, the reunion did not end the way he hoped. The Portland Trail Blazers guard exited with a left hamstring injury during the fourth quarter of a 124-103 loss to Memphis.
The result ended Portland’s unbeaten start while the Grizzlies improved to 5-0. For Morant, the concern surrounding his health became more important than the outcome.
Morant leaves first game against former team
Morant finished with 14 points and three assists in 23 minutes before leaving the contest.
INJURY UPDATE: Ja Morant (L Hamstring) will not return to tonight’s game vs. MEM.
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) October 30, 2026
He exited with 7:46 remaining in the fourth quarter and did not return.
Portland coach Micah Nori said afterward that Morant had felt discomfort in his hamstring and was being evaluated. Nori expressed hope that the injury would not be serious but did not provide a definitive diagnosis or recovery timetable.
That distinction matters.
A hamstring injury can vary considerably in severity, and Morant’s availability for upcoming games cannot be determined without additional medical information. Portland will have to wait for further evaluation before understanding how much time, if any, its star guard might miss.
Memphis reunion carried unusual significance
Morant’s history with the Grizzlies makes Thursday’s injury particularly unfortunate. He won NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2019-20 and later earned the league’s Most Improved Player award.
During the 2021-22 season, he averaged a career-high 27.4 points per game while helping Memphis establish itself as a dangerous Western Conference team. His career also included injuries and suspensions that complicated his relationship with the organization.
On June 29, Memphis traded Morant to Portland in a deal that sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies.
The move represented a new beginning for Morant and a significant roster reset for Memphis. Thursday’s game provided an early look at how the two teams have changed. The Grizzlies received a triple-double from rookie Cameron Boozer and overwhelmed Portland during the second half.
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Trail Blazers face immediate uncertainty
Portland entered Thursday with a 3-0 record and had already demonstrated encouraging offensive potential. Damian Lillard delivered an important late three-pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the week, while Morant had begun adjusting to his new teammates.
The Grizzlies exposed some of Portland’s weaknesses, outscoring the Trail Blazers 66-45 after halftime.
But the most important question moving forward concerns Morant.
Portland visits Utah on Saturday, and his status will become a major storyline as the team prepares for that game. Morant’s first appearance against Memphis was supposed to be an opportunity to measure his progress with a new organization.
Instead, the night ended with an injury evaluation and uncertainty about his immediate future. For a player hoping to establish a fresh chapter in Portland, it was a frustrating development at an especially meaningful moment.
