The 2026-27 NBA schedule has arrived for the Memphis Grizzlies, and it features multiple chances to see Ja Morant in action.
The 2026-27 NBA schedule is here for the Memphis Grizzlies, and it comes with answers for anyone wondering when the team will face former franchise cornerstone Ja Morant.
The schedule includes three matchups against Morant's Portland Trail Blazers. One will come near the start of the season, and the other two will come near the trade deadline.
Here's a closer look:
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Grizzlies at Trail Blazers
- Saturday, Feb. 6: Trail Blazers at Grizzlies
- Monday, Feb. 8: Trail Blazers at Grizzlies
The Feb. 6 game will be carried by Prime in what projects to be Morant's first game back in Memphis.
Hopefully, Morant will play in all three games so that Grizzlies fans get to see him play his former team a handful of times.
The Morant era came to an end for Memphis earlier this offseason. The organization sent him to Portland in a trade that brought back forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. It marked the end of a seven-year tenure with the Grizzlies for the former No. 2 overall pick.
Morant's stint certainly had its ups and downs, but he brought excitement to the Grizzlies at many points. He finished his tenure with two All-Star nods and one All-NBA selection. He also won Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player honors with Memphis.
Unfortunately, he struggled to stay on the floor in his last few years with the team, and his production dipped in the process. It eventually became clear that Morant, who also had some off-the-court issues over the years, was no longer seen as the franchise cornerstone for a pivoting Grizzlies franchise, which led to his trade this summer.
At his best, Morant was a fringe MVP candidate with Memphis, like in the 2021-22 season, when he averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. The Grizzlies had a little bit of success in the playoffs that season, winning a series before bowing out in the second round. That was the only season in which they won a playoff series during the Morant era.
Now, the explosive guard is starting fresh with the Blazers and seems to be embracing his new chapter. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are moving forward with incoming rookie Cameron Boozer, who is in line to become the new face of the franchise.
Hopefully, there will be some fun battles between the Grizzlies and Blazers this season.
