Ja Morant: Is He Starting Tonight? Damian Lillard Blazers Backcourt and Gun Controversy

Ja Morant is entering the 2026–27 NBA season with a fresh opportunity after moving from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers. His partnership with Damian Lillard is one of Portland’s biggest storylines, while his previous gun-related controversies continue to attract attention.

Morant’s new role, starting status, and ability to build chemistry with Lillard are important topics for basketball fans. Here is what to know about his latest team situation, the Blazers’ backcourt plans, and the controversy surrounding his past conduct.

Is Ja Morant Starting Tonight?

Yes, Ja Morant was reported to be starting alongside Damian Lillard for Portland’s 2026–27 season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 21, 2026. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Trail Blazers planned to use both guards in their starting backcourt.

The decision followed speculation that Morant might begin the season as a reserve because Portland already had several established guards competing for playing time.

Morant is a dynamic playmaker who can attack the basket, create scoring opportunities, and put pressure on opposing defenses. Starting him alongside Lillard gives Portland two experienced offensive leaders who can create shots for themselves and their teammates.

However, the opening lineup does not guarantee that the same combination will start every game. Head coach Micah Nori can adjust the rotation depending on matchups, player availability, and how effectively the guards work together.

Note: October 21 was the scheduled season opener. For any subsequent game, the latest official lineup and injury report should be checked before confirming whether Morant is playing that night.

Ja Morant and Damian Lillard: Blazers Backcourt Explained

Portland’s decision to pair Morant with Lillard creates one of the most intriguing backcourt combinations in the league. Both guards are known for their ability to control the offense, penetrate the defense, and score in high-pressure situations.

Can Morant and Lillard Play Together?

The pairing has considerable offensive potential, although it also presents challenges. Both players are accustomed to handling the ball, so Portland must find the right balance between their individual strengths.

Three factors will be particularly important:

• Ball distribution: Both guards need opportunities to initiate the offense.

• Defensive matchups: Portland must protect against opposing teams targeting its smaller guards.

• Playing time: The coaching staff can stagger their minutes to ensure that at least one primary playmaker remains on the court.

Portland also has other guards, including Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, giving coach Nori several options for managing the rotation.

Ja Morant Gun Controversy: What Happened?

Ja Morant’s gun-related controversies became a major part of his public story during his time with Memphis.

In March 2023, Morant appeared to display a firearm during an Instagram Live broadcast from a Colorado-area nightclub. The NBA subsequently suspended him for eight games without pay. Morant publicly acknowledged his mistake and took responsibility for his actions.

In May 2023, another social media video appeared to show Morant holding a firearm. The Grizzlies suspended him from team activities while the league reviewed the incident.

The controversy continued in April 2025, when the NBA fined Morant $75,000 for making finger-gun gestures during a game against the Miami Heat. The league cited previous warnings about the gestures.

These incidents affected Morant’s public image and contributed to scrutiny of his conduct away from basketball.

It is important to distinguish these documented past events from any new allegations. The historical incidents do not, by themselves, establish that Morant is currently involved in a gun-related incident.

Why Did Ja Morant Leave the Memphis Grizzlies?

Morant spent the early part of his NBA career with Memphis, which selected him with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He developed into an All-Star point guard and became one of the league’s most exciting players because of his speed, passing, and ability to finish above the rim.

However, injuries and off-court controversies complicated his later seasons with the Grizzlies.

During the 2025–26 regular season, he appeared in only 20 games, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists, according to his reported season statistics. Portland acquired him during the 2026 offseason, providing him with a new environment and a fresh basketball opportunity.

His move also gives Portland another high-level creator as the franchise looks to strengthen its competitiveness in the Western Conference.

What Can Fans Expect From Ja Morant in 2026–27?

Morant’s performance this season will depend on his health, consistency, and chemistry with Lillard. If the two guards develop an effective partnership, Portland could have a dangerous offense built around driving pressure and perimeter shooting.

His priorities include staying available, making smart decisions with the ball, and contributing to a balanced team defense. Maintaining focus away from the court will also be important as he begins a new chapter in his career.

For fantasy basketball managers, Morant offers considerable upside because of his scoring and assist potential. Nevertheless, his recent injury history and the uncertainty surrounding Portland’s guard rotation make it sensible to monitor his minutes and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Ja Morant starting tonight?

Morant was reported to be starting alongside Damian Lillard for Portland’s October 21, 2026, season opener against Phoenix. Check the official lineup for any later game.

2. Do Ja Morant and Damian Lillard play for the same team?

Yes. Both joined the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2026–27 season, with the team planning to use them together in the starting backcourt.

3. What happened with Ja Morant and a gun?

Morant faced NBA disciplinary action after social media videos appeared to show him displaying a firearm in 2023. He received an eight-game suspension in March and was suspended from team activities pending review after a second video in May.

4. Was Ja Morant fined for a gun gesture?

Yes. In April 2025, the NBA fined him $75,000 for making finger-gun gestures during a game, citing previous warnings.

5. Why did Ja Morant join the Trail Blazers?

Portland acquired Morant in an offseason trade in 2026. The move gives the team another dynamic playmaker to pair with Lillard as it builds its roster for the new season.

Conclusion

Ja Morant’s move to Portland marks a significant change in his NBA career. His reported starting role alongside Damian Lillard gives the Trail Blazers an exciting offensive combination, although the team’s long-term success will depend on chemistry, health, and defensive balance.

Meanwhile, Morant’s previous gun-related controversies remain part of his public history. His performance and conduct during the 2026–27 season will shape how this new chapter is remembered.