Portland Trail Blazers star Ja Morant is set to miss at least the next four weeks due to a Grade 2 left hamstring sprain sustained during Thursday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. This marked Morant's first matchup against his former team since being traded earlier this summer. He exited the game with 7:46 remaining after attempting to grab a rebound following a missed floater. In his limited 23 minutes of play, he recorded 14 points, three assists, and two rebounds.

The Blazers suffered a 124-103 defeat, marking their first loss of the 2026-27 season after starting strong with wins over the Lakers, Kings, and Suns. Over the past three seasons, Morant has only played a total of 79 games, including just 20 last season. In his first four games with Portland, he averaged 15.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds.

In Morant's absence, the Blazers are expected to start veteran guard Jrue Holiday. The team faced a dilemma with a crowded backcourt that included Damian Lillard, Holiday, and former No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson. With Shaedon Sharpe also sidelined due to a knee injury, Henderson may see an expanded role as the first guard off the bench.

Under first-year coach Micah Nori, Portland currently ranks No. 2 in the NBA for defensive rating at 101.3. Morant's injury adds to the ongoing NBA injury crisis, as several stars including Anthony Edwards, Paolo Banchero, and Kawhi Leonard are also expected to miss time.