Trail Blazers receive bad news on Ja Morant after injury in Grizzlies game

The Portland Trail Blazers will be without Ja Morant for at least four weeks after the guard suffered a significant hamstring injury against the Memphis Grizzlies .

ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania reported Friday that Morant sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The diagnosis delivers a major setback for Portland after its encouraging start to the 2026-27 season.

"Portland Trail Blazers' Ja Morant has sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will miss at least four weeks, sources tell ESPN," Charania shared on X.

Morant suffered the injury Thursday night at Moda Center while facing his former team. He exited with 7:46 remaining after feeling discomfort while stepping back on defense.

Earlier, while speaking to the media, Trail Blazers coach Micah Nori had mentioned that Morant felt a twinge before leaving the game.

"He felt a twinge…" Nori said after the loss, while adding about the level of concern, saying, "I don't really know because this is the first time I've been around him when he's felt something. … There's always concern, but I'm hoping it's nothing major, obviously."

Portland faces early test without Ja Morant

Despite the early exit, Morant finished with 14 points and three assists in 23 minutes. Memphis eventually secured a 124-103 victory, handing Portland another difficult result.

The injury interrupts a promising beginning to Morant's Portland career. He averaged 15.8 points and 5.5 assists across his first four appearances.

His arrival had given Portland another playmaker capable of creating scoring opportunities and pushing the offense. Losing him for at least four weeks leaves the coaching staff with an important adjustment.

Portland has started the season 3-1, including Thursday's defeat. The team must now find consistent offensive production without its new starting guard.

The immediate priority will be managing Morant's recovery carefully. A Grade 2 hamstring strain can require additional rehabilitation beyond the initial absence. The Trail Blazers will reevaluate Morant in four weeks. His return will depend on his recovery progress and medical assessment.