Ja Morant's Season Hampered by Injury, Joins Growing List of NBA Stars Sidelined
The Trail Blazers guard is expected to miss at least four weeks after suffering a hamstring strain, adding to a concerning trend of early-season injuries across the league.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant is facing a significant early-season setback, with the team confirming he sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during Thursday night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated in four weeks, potentially sidelining him for over a month.
Morant, 27, incurred the injury midway through the fourth quarter of the 124-103 defeat. He was observed grabbing his left hamstring during the play and was subsequently removed from the game with 7:46 remaining, later undergoing an MRI that confirmed the severity of the strain.
In 23 minutes against his former team, Morant recorded 14 points, three assists, and went 2-for-5 from three-point range. This injury marks the latest in a series of physical issues that have plagued Morant, contributing to the Grizzlies trading him to Portland in the offseason. He is due approximately $97 million over the next two seasons.
Morant's recent injury history includes season-ending shoulder surgery in January 2024 for a torn labrum, followed by hip and ankle ailments. His 2025-26 season was cut short by a left elbow sprain. Across his final three seasons with Memphis, he appeared in only 79 games, a total also impacted by suspensions related to off-court conduct.
Morant's availability, inconsistent production, and sizable contract complicated trade discussions for the Grizzlies. He signed a five-year, $197 million extension in 2022 and faced NBA suspensions of eight and 25 games in 2023 for displaying firearms on social media. He also received a one-game suspension from the Grizzlies last November for conduct detrimental to the team.
Through his first four games with the Trail Blazers, Morant averaged 15.8 points and 5.5 assists, shooting a career-best 42.9 percent from three-point range. Last season, he averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 games, though his scoring average was his lowest since his second NBA season.
Morant's absence adds to a growing list of high-profile NBA players sidelined by injuries early in the current season. Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams is expected to miss most of the regular season with a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, while teammate Cason Wallace faces several months out with a torn shoulder labrum. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards underwent knee surgery and is anticipated to miss approximately two months. Orlando Magic player Paolo Banchero is sidelined for at least a month with a high ankle sprain, and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain.