Ja Morant out multiple weeks in latest early-season NBA injury crusher

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant will be sidelined for at least four weeks after suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The 27-year-old sustained the injury during the fourth quarter of Portland's 124-103 loss to his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, on Thursday. Morant recorded 14 points and three assists in 23 minutes before an MRI confirmed the severity of the strain.

Morant's setback follows previous injury-plagued seasons, including shoulder surgery, ankle issues, and a left elbow sprain that ended his 2025-26 campaign. After appearing in only 79 games over his final three seasons in Memphis, Morant was traded to Portland. His absence adds to several major early-season NBA injuries, including significant setbacks for Jalen Williams, Anthony Edwards, and Paolo Banchero.