The Portland Trail Blazers had been one of the season’s stories despite having played only three games, all victories up to yesterday. Ja Morant had been the centerpiece of the positive vibes in Oregon, posting the league’s best offensive rating. Last night the Grizzlies found the formula to slow that attack, and the Blazers watched as their marquee signing collapsed, clutching his hamstrings.
Ja Morant suffers a strain in the femoral region that will keep him out for at least four weeks. He joins the injury wave currently sweeping the NBA, with as many as 79 players sidelined across a week and a half of action. Portland shouldn’t have too much trouble replacing him, with Jrue Holiday and/or Scoot Henderson waiting in the wings. Although for a player who was rediscovering himself, it marks a notable setback.
Not counting yesterday’s game, in which he played only 23 minutes, Morant was averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 assists with strong shooting percentages.
