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Blazer's Edge

The ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers

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Which One Young NBA Player is Worth Building a Team Around?

The Blazers' Edge asks readers to name the next young NBA star—under 26—to build a franchise around, excluding Victor Wampanyama. After highlighting Nikola Jokic's rise from a 41st pick to league MVP and noting his age, the post sparks a debate on who could be the future cornerstone for Portland or any team. Fans are invited to comment with their pick and rationale, making the piece a interactive think‑piece for NBA enthusiasts.

NBA

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets: Game Preview

The Portland Trail Blazers (4‑1) host the Denver Nuggets (3‑2) on Nov. 2 at 6 pm PT, marking the Blazers' second game of a four‑game road trip after a win over Utah. Denver returns home on a two‑game streak, riding victories over New Orleans and Phoenix. Key storylines: Portland’s elite three‑point shooting (15.8 makes, 35.3% efficiency) versus Nikola Jokic, who averages 21.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 9.2 assists and could explode at any moment. Injuries loom—Shaedon Sharpe and Ja Morant are out for Portland; Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones and Alpha Diallo sit out for Denver. Nuggets guard Christian Braun sparkles with 31 points against the Suns, while DeMar DeRozan’s new backup‑point role draws attention. The game will be streamed on BlazerVision or League Pass, with audio on the Trail Blazers Audio Network.

Zombie-Like Halloween Loss vs Blazers is Cause for Concern for Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz suffer a humiliating 112–90 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on October 31, looking more like "zombie" players than contenders. The game featured sloppy shooting, 36 turnovers and poor defense, while injuries to Jusuf Nurkic and Jaren Jackson Jr. compound the woes. The article blames weak roster moves, the loss of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, and questionable front‑office decisions for the team’s decline, warning that the Jazz may be emotionally eliminated from playoff hopes despite the early season. It notes that young talent like Keyonte George must step up as the Jazz try to dig out of a deep hole.

Robert Williams Not Listed on Injury Report vs Nuggets

Portland backup center Robert Williams III disappears from the injury report ahead of Monday’s road game against the Denver Nuggets, signaling his return after missing Thursday’s 123‑104 loss to Memphis with left‑knee soreness. Williams was listed as questionable for the Saturday win over Utah but played 14 minutes, contributing 3 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block in the 112‑90 blowout. Coach Micah Nori confirms the knee issue is improving. The Blazers’ full injury list for the 6 p.m. PST matchup includes outs Jayson Kent (G‑League), Ja Morant (L hamstring), Shaedon Sharpe (R meniscus) and John Tonje (G‑League).

NBA Players’ Halloween Costume Compilation

Several NBA players around the league remind us each Halloween they’re just like many of us when it comes to celebrating the holiday by dressing up. Here’s a league wide rundown of the costumes and spooky happenings around the league. A few highlights: We hope you and yours had a fun and safe Halloween weekend!

NBA

After a Halloween Win, Should the Blazers Add More Holidays to Their Calendar?

The Portland Trail Blazers rode a 112-90 wire‑to‑wire victory over the Utah Jazz to spark talk of adding more ‘Holiday’ talent. For the first time Lillard and rookie Scoot Henderson started together, but both struggled with turnovers and shooting efficiency. With Ja Morant out for weeks and Shaedon Sharpe sidelined, the Blazers have just 12 of 14 roster spots filled and could sign a 15th player. The piece proposes bringing in Aaron Holiday—currently excelling in Italy and contract‑buyout friendly—as a steady backcourt option, while also noting other free‑agent guards like Bruce Brown, Gabe Vincent, and the controversial Kevin Porter Jr. could help shore up Portland’s fragile guard corps.

Trail Blazers Collect Win from Jazz Like Candy

The Portland Trail Blazers dominate the Utah Jazz 112-90 on Halloween night in Salt Lake City, improving to 4-1. Deni Avdija leads with 24 points on 12 shots, shooting 2‑of‑4 from three and 10‑of‑13 free throws, while averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5.6 assists early in the season. Damian Lillard adds 22 points, hitting a crucial 17‑0 run, and rookie Toumani Camara chips in 14 points on perfect three‑point shooting (4‑of‑4). Scoot Henderson makes his first start, scoring 14 but committing four turnovers. The Jazz struggle, shooting 37.2% overall and 27.5% from three, with key players Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen combining for just 21 points. The Blazers’ defense forces 19 turnovers, setting the tone for a bright start without injured Ja Morant.

Blazers Pull the Plug on the Jazz

The Portland Trail Blazers dominate the Utah Jazz 112-90 on October 31, 2026, pulling ahead with a 17-0 first‑quarter run and never looking back. Deni Avdija leads the Jazz with 24 points, but Damian Lillard fuels Portland with 22 points and four assists, scoring 11 of the Blazers’ first 14 points. Portland builds a 17‑point halftime lead (59-42) and secures its fourth win in five games, outworking the Jazz in second‑chance points (18-6) and forcing 19 turnovers while shooting 41 free throws to Utah’s 26. Bench centers Brandon Carlsen, Micah Potter and Yang Hansen see limited impact as Robert Williams III returns. The Blazers head to Denver to face the 3‑2 Nuggets on Nov. 2, while Utah looks to rebound after a rough night.

Discuss Trail Blazers vs. Jazz NBA Action Here!

The Portland Trail Blazers (3‑1) face the Utah Jazz (1‑4) on Saturday, Oct. 31 at noon PT in Salt Lake City. With Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe out and Robert Williams III and Chris Youngblood questionable, Portland hopes to exploit the Jazz’s injuries to Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkic and a questionable Lauri Markkanen. The thread invites fans to discuss the live action and promises a post‑game recap. Watch on KUNP, BlazerVision, or League Pass, and listen via Rip City Radio 620 AM.

Lillard and Morant Giveth and Taketh Away for the Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers’ preseason has been defined by the new guard tandem of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, but a hamstring injury now sidelines Morant for at least a month. In four games, the duo helped the Blazers rank third in offensive rating, points and assists, and fifth in field‑goal percentage. Morant contributed 23 points on 69% shooting from mid‑range and a 42.9% three‑point clip, while also serving as the team’s top passer and forming a strong lob connection with Robert Williams III. With Morant out, the article examines how Lillard’s role shifts and what the Blazers will miss offensively.

Blazers Head to Utah to Take on Jazz in an Early Game

The Portland Trail Blazers head to Salt Lake City for a Halloween‑day showdown with the Utah Jazz on Oct. 31 at 12:00 p.m. PT. With both clubs nursing injuries—Portland missing Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe, and Utah out without Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic—the game could swing either way. The Jazz sit 1‑4 after three straight defeats and rank near the bottom in shooting, but their rebounding remains a strength. Keyonte George leads Utah, averaging 24.4 points on 50% shooting. Portland (3‑1) hopes to exploit Utah’s weak three‑point defense and low turnover rate. Coach Micah Nori’s lineup decision for Morant’s spot will be a key storyline.

Senator Ron Wyden Meets with Miami Heat Owner, Talks Blazers Relocation

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a longtime champion of keeping the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon, recently met with Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, who also chairs the NBA Board of Governors. Wyden says Arison’s counsel encouraged progress on SB1501‑funded $600 million Moda Center renovations and the fight against a possible franchise relocation before the Dec. 31 deadline. With Wyden poised to chair the Senate Finance Committee, his political leverage could block any move, despite the Blazers’ lease that forbids relocation without city consent. The article details the legal stakes, contrasting the Heat’s privately funded arena with Portland’s renovation challenges.

Morant’s Injury Presents Critical Opportunity For Scoot Henderson

Ja Morant’s hamstring injury opens a crucial spot in the Portland Trail Blazers’ guard rotation, forcing Scoot Henderson into a make-or-break season. With a $19 million qualifying offer looming and his rookie extension deadline passed, Henderson must improve his 18.8 minutes per game average, cut turnovers, and boost shooting efficiency to secure a new contract. After a flash of brilliance—31 points in a playoff win and a 15‑point postseason average—his recent inconsistency (averaging just 2.5 points in the last two games) has put his NBA future in doubt. The next few weeks will determine whether Henderson cements his role or risks a G‑League return.

Robert Williams Upgraded to Questionable to Play Versus Jazz

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is upgraded to questionable for Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz after knee soreness forced him out of Thursday’s 123-104 loss to Memphis. Coach Micah Nori says the team is being cautious ahead of a packed schedule, but hopes Williams will be cleared for the four‑game road trip. The injury report also lists Ja Morant (grade‑2 left hamstring strain), Shaedon Sharpe (right meniscus) and others out, with Chris Youngblood (left ankle soreness) also questionable.

Chet Holmgren to Miss 8-10 Weeks Due to Small Patellar Tendon Tear

The Oklahoma City Thunder announce that 7-foot-1 center Chet Holmstrom will miss 8–10 weeks after undergoing a successful biological treatment for a small patellar‑tendon tear in his right knee. Holmstrom, 24, averages 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, making his absence a major blow for a Thunder roster already hit by injuries—Jalen Williams (dislocated ankle, fractured fibula), Cason Wallace (torn labrum) and Alex Caruso (right ankle sprain). The team hopes Holmstrom returns fully before the season’s midpoint.

What Western Conference Teams Scare You the Most?

As the 2026-27 NBA season kicks off, the Western Conference is seen as weaker than the East, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs highlighted as the top threats. The Portland Trail Blazers are emerging as a dark‑horse contender, potentially punching above their weight in a middling conference field. The article asks fans which other Western team—beyond the Spurs and Thunder—might challenge Portland and force it into a fourth‑place finish, inviting commentary on potential surprise opponents.

Ja Morant Out At Least 4 Weeks with Hamstring Strain

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morlet suffers a Grade‑2 hamstring strain and will miss at least four weeks, the team announced on Oct. 30, 2026. Morlet left the Thursday matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies early in the fourth quarter after feeling a twinge. A Grade‑2 strain involves partial muscle tearing and can require several months to fully heal, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In the first four games of the 2026‑27 season, Morlet averaged 15.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 25.8 minutes per night. The injury is not a recurrence, offering a sliver of optimism for the Blazers.

Two Injuries Tell the Story of Portland’s First Loss

Portland’s 124-103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 29 highlighted two key injuries. Star guard Ja Morlet left the game at the 7:12 mark of the fourth quarter with a hamstring strain, prompting coach Micah Nori to say the team will evaluate him overnight. The Blazers also missed big man Robert Williams III, sidelined for left‑knee management, while rookie center Donovan Clingan posted 11 points and five blocks against Memphis' Zach Edey. Morlet’s hamstring raises concerns after a strong 3‑0 start, and the team now faces a waiting game to determine his availability.

Sorry Second Half, Injuries Doom Blazers vs. Grizzlies

The Portland Trail Blazers saw their season‑opening winning streak end with a 124‑103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 29, 2026. Injuries to Robert Williams III and Ja Morant (hamstring) hampered Portland’s rotation, while the Blazers shot a dismal 24% from three (12‑49) and missed 65% of free throws despite a 26‑12 FT advantage. Deni Avdija led Portland with 24 points, the only 20‑plus scorer, while Memphis’s Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Stewart each tallied 18. The Grizzlies dominated the second half, scoring 23 fast‑break points and hitting 43% of threes. The loss highlights Portland’s defensive lapses and offensive inefficiency heading into the next game.

Grizzlies Take Out Trail Blazers in Portland

The Portland Trail Blazers suffer their first loss of the season, falling 124-103 to the undefeated Memphis Grizzlies at the Moda Center on Oct. 29. The game stayed tight through halftime (58-58) before Memphis pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Portland 66-45 after the break. Eight Grizzlies logged double‑digit points, with Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Stewart each scoring 18. Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while rookie Donovan Clingan contributed 11 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Ja Morant left in the fourth with a hamstring issue, and Portland struggled shooting, going 12‑of‑49 from three. The Blazers head to Utah next for a Halloween game.

Ja Morant Leaves Blazers-Grizzlies Game with Hamstring Injury

Ja Morlet leaves the Blazers' Oct. 30 matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies after 23 minutes due to a left‑hamstring twinge. The team confirms he will not return to the game and will undergo evaluation, with updates to follow. The injury comes as Portland seeks to rebound from a recent 136‑129 win over the Lakers.

Discuss Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Action Here!

The Portland Trail Blazers (3-0) host unbeaten Memphis Grizzlies (4-0) on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 pm PT in a matchup that features Ja Morant versus former teammate Jerami Grant after their summer trade. Blazers center Robert Williams III is sidelined with left‑knee soreness, joining Shaedon Sharpe, Jayson Kent and Chris Youngblood on the injury list. Fans can catch the game on Rip City Television, stream via BlazerVision (OR/WA) or League Pass, and listen on Rip City Radio 620 AM. The post also outlines game‑day thread rules for respectful discussion.

Trail Blazers Pick Up Options on Clingan, Hansen

The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised contract options on rookie‑scale centers Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen. Clingan, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, enters his third season as a regular starter, posting 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.0 block in 22.3 minutes per game, and will be eligible for a long‑term deal after this season. Hansen, the No. 16 pick from the 2025 draft, has appeared in 44 games, averaging 5.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12 minutes while shooting 31.7% overall. The moves lock both bigs in for another year.

What Trail Blazers Return was Most Bittersweet for You?

Tonight the Portland Trail Blazers face the Memphis Grizzlies, featuring two former Blazers returning to the Moda Center: Jerami Grant, who spent four seasons in Portland, and Ja Morant, the ex‑face of Memphis. The preview also spotlights Ty Jerome’s debut for Portland and teases a fan‑driven discussion about the most heartbreaking player departures in Blazers history. Readers are invited to share memories of players who left the team and the emotions those moves sparked.

Clippers Sign Former Blazers Guard Wesley

The Los Angeles Clippers ink former Portland Trail Blazers guard Blake Wesley to a 10‑day hardship contract, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Wesley, a 6‑foot‑4 guard who spent three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs before posting 4.8 points, 2.0 assists in 11.6 minutes per game for Portland last season (45.2% FG, 27.8% 3‑pt), becomes eligible under the hardship rule, which activates when four players miss three straight games and remain out for at least two weeks.