Trail Blazers to Face Grizzlies on October 29
Ja Morant will play his former team for the first time since his trade to Portland.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you feel more connected to your local team after a major roster trade?
Ja Morant faces the Memphis Grizzlies for the first time on October 29, 2026, following his trade to the Portland Trail Blazers in June. The matchup highlights the shift in both franchises as the teams meet in Portland.
Why it matters
Memphis traded Ja Morant to facilitate a rebuild around their young core, while Portland acquired the star to bolster their offensive production. Tee Morant has described the upcoming reunion as a reckoning for the franchise.
The Grizzlies enter the game with a 4-0 record, while the Trail Blazers hold a 2-0 record. The contest features Donovan Clingan, a 7-foot-2 center for Portland, alongside Ja Morant, who spent 7 seasons in Memphis after being the 2nd overall pick in 2019.
The players
Ja Morant
The former Memphis star now plays for Portland after a seven-season tenure with the Grizzlies.
Micah Nori
He is the current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ty Jerome
The Memphis point guard was recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week.
Donovan Clingan
He is a 7-foot-2 center currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Tee Morant
He is the father of Ja Morant who commented on the significance of the upcoming game.
The details
Portland coach Micah Nori has assigned Ja Morant a role that does not require him to be the team's primary leader following the June 2026 trade that sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis. Memphis now features Ty Jerome, the Western Conference Player of the Week, as their starting point guard.
Timeline
June 2026: Memphis traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Mid-October 2026: Tee Morant commented on the upcoming game.
October 29, 2026: The Grizzlies play the Trail Blazers in Portland.
February 2027: The Grizzlies and Trail Blazers are scheduled to meet twice.
Season Trajectory
This game follows the established pattern of high-profile returns after major franchise trades. The outcome of this contest impacts the early season standing and momentum for both the Trail Blazers and the undefeated Grizzlies.
The game determines if Portland can maintain its undefeated start against a Grizzlies team currently holding a 4-0 record. Fans should watch how the rotation adjusts with Memphis relying on Ty Jerome as their primary floor general.
The takeaway
Players facing their former teams often experience high-stakes emotional pressure that can alter game tempo. Fans and analysts should track how the shift in leadership roles impacts overall team efficiency for Portland.
What happens next
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers are scheduled to play each other twice during February 2027.
Further reading
For more on the current team dynamics, visit the Basketball page.
Live Poll
Do you feel more connected to your local team after a major roster trade?
