Ja Morant Prepares for First Game Against Grizzlies

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Ja Morant will face the Memphis Grizzlies for the first time in his career, returning to face the franchise he represented from 2019 until 2026 before his trade to Portland, Basket USA reported.

The Return to Memphis and Emotional Stakes

The Thursday matchup marks Morant’s initial meeting against his former team following his offseason departure. While the contest precedes a pair of scheduled games in Memphis on Feb. 6 and Feb. 8, the emotional weight of the encounter remains significant for the second-overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. Morant stated that he approaches the fixture without bitterness, describing it as just another match on the regular-season schedule.

“I’m on good terms with everyone over there and I don’t hold a grudge against anyone, unless they hold one against me,” Morant said of the reunion. The point guard acknowledged that his tenure under head coach Tuomas Iisalo occasionally involved friction, yet he maintains fond memories of his time in Tennessee. “My years in Memphis were tremendous. It’s hard to wipe all that away after just a few months in Portland,” he told The Athletic. “Unless you win a title, and that’s the goal this season, I don’t know if anything can equal my years in Memphis.”

Reflecting on the Departure and Past Incidents

Arriving in Memphis as a 19-year-old rookie, Morant quickly established himself as a central figure for the franchise. He earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2020, the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2022, and consecutive All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023, guiding the Grizzlies into the upper tier of the Western Conference alongside a playoff series victory in 2022.

However, off-court issues involving firearms and subsequent league suspensions disrupted his trajectory in Memphis. “We had reached a great level… but I obviously had problems,” Morant said. “From there, the dominoes started to fall. Players were traded, new ones arrived, and then it was my turn. I take my share of responsibility for what I caused, but not everything was my fault either.” Morant expressed frustration that past controversies continue to surface publicly despite his departure from the organization.

Adjusting to a New Role in Portland

In his current campaign with the Trail Blazers, Morant operates within a different offensive structure alongside Damian Lillard, Deni Avdija, and Jrue Holiday. While his statistics reflect a reduced scoring load—averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 assists per game compared to his peak of 27.4 points during the 2021-22 season—Morant noted that the change has alleviated physical strain.

“There was a lot more pressure on my shoulders back then than there is today,” Morant said. “Now, I don’t need to overdo it or put my body at risk, given the teammates around me. We are playing well, and it’s up to me to do my job.”

Upcoming Schedule Against Memphis

Following Thursday’s contest, the Trail Blazers and Grizzlies are scheduled for a two-game series in Memphis on Feb. 6 and Feb. 8.

More on this story: Ja Morant Faces Memphis Grizzlies for the First Time