Ja Morant says he has no hard feelings as he prepares to face Memphis for the first time since leaving the Grizzlies for Portland. Around the Southwest Division, New Orleans is still demanding a high price for Herbert Jones despite his reduced role, Alperen Sengun may miss multiple games with back tightness, and Cooper Flagg is off to a strong start in Dallas while expressing interest in the 2028 Olympics.

By the Numbers
  • Portland is 3-0; Morant is averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 assists.
  • Jones is averaging 17.0 minutes per game, a career low.
  • Flagg is averaging 25.0 points, 6.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 steals through 3 games.
Yes, But

Morant acknowledged that he was responsible for some of the choices that contributed to his departure, while saying the situation wasn’t solely his fault. Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo described their working relationship as good and said both sides are now doing well.

State of Play
  • Morant’s Portland team visits Memphis on Thursday for his reunion with the Grizzlies.
  • New Orleans has shown no willingness to trade Jones, and his limited minutes haven’t lowered the team’s reported asking price.
  • Houston coach Ime Udoka says Sengun could miss multiple games because of back tightness.
What's Next

Morant gets his first chance to face his former team Thursday. Sengun’s availability will depend on how his back responds, while Flagg’s Olympic ambitions remain a possibility for 2028.

Bottom Line

Across the Southwest, the immediate storylines are a low-drama reunion for Morant, a potential short-term absence for Houston’s center and a strong early-season surge from Dallas’ young star.