Ja Morant Injured, Latest Updates on Hamstring Strain and Timeline to Return to Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers announced Friday that guard Ja Morant is expected to miss at least a month of action.

The team noted that Morant will be re-evaluated in four weeks after leaving Thursday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies with what was later determined to be a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Portland acquired Morant from the Grizzlies this past offseason in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

Morant, who was a two-time All-Star and NBA Rookie of the Year during his seven seasons with the Grizzlies, was a significant part of the Blazers' backcourt rotation through four games this season.

In 25.8 minutes per game, the 27-year-old veteran is averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers made and 1.0 steal per contest, while shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Morant had a hand in the Blazers getting off to a 3-0 start prior to Thursday's loss to the Grizzlies, who improved to an NBA-best 5-0 with their victory.

While losing Morant for an extended period of time is far from ideal, the Blazers do at least have the benefit of a ton of depth at the guard position.

Along with Morant, Portland has veterans Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday on the roster, plus 2023 No. 3 overall draft pick Scoot Henderson.

All of them figure to see a bump in playing time and importance while Morant is out, plus leading scorer Deni Avdija will continue to lead the way offensively.

Portland will be back in action Saturday when it goes on the road to face the Utah Jazz.