The Portland Trail Blazers are building momentum for the 2026-27 NBA season, coming off a 110-98 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on October 13. That win was part of a perfect 3-0 preseason run, which also included victories over the London Lions and Golden State Warriors. The team's immediate focus shifts to a rematch against the Warriors on October 16.
The Blazers finished the 2025-26 season with a 42-40 record, good for 7th in the Western Conference. They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs, losing the series 4-1. National power rankings have placed Portland at No. 18 heading into the new campaign. The team's identity is undergoing a significant shift following a major offseason trade.
Portland's front office was aggressive. The biggest move was acquiring explosive guard Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies. To get him, the Blazers sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis. They also secured center Robert Williams III with a three-year, $44 million contract extension. Depth additions include Branden Carlson on a one-year, $2.4 million deal and Jeremy Sochan on a one-year, $2.6 million contract.
The potential backcourt of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant is electric. Lillard's return to full health and his signature deep three-pointers will energize the Moda Center crowd. Morant, who played only eight games last season, has a point to prove with two years left on his contract. When he's at his best, he's a dynamic force. But there's a real question about ball distribution. Lillard, Morant, and young guard Scoot Henderson all need touches to be effective. Finding the right balance and sacrificing individual numbers for team success will be a primary challenge for the coaching staff.
Portland's preseason was dominant. They opened with a 123-118 win over the Golden State Warriors on October 7. The next night, they routed the London Lions 119-66. They capped it off with that 110-98 victory against the Sacramento Kings. While these games don't count in the standings, they provided valuable reps for the new lineup.
The immediate task is the regular season opener, a road game against the Golden State Warriors on October 16. The early schedule will be a tough test for this reconfigured roster. Success this season hinges on health, particularly for Morant, and how quickly the new core develops chemistry. If the stars align and the rotation clicks, Portland has the talent to surpass last year's win total and make a deeper playoff run. Their full schedule is available on our schedule page.
