Ja Morant will see a familiar opponent in a very different uniform Thursday night, when the unbeaten Memphis Grizzlies visit the unbeaten Portland Trail Blazers. As of Tuesday’s games, Memphis stood 4-0 and Portland was 2-0, setting up an early-season meeting between a new Grizzlies era and a Blazers team chasing a bigger place in the West.

Morant arrived in Portland during the offseason trade that sent Jerami Grant to Memphis. Now he joins a crowded, talented Blazers backcourt that also includes Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. Morant’s speed with the ball can pull defenders toward the basket in a flash, opening room for teammates. Lillard stretches defenses with his deep shooting, while Holiday brings calm passing and tough defense. Portland will need all three skills against a Memphis group that has already shown it can finish close games, including a five-point win over Utah on Oct. 26.

Still, Portland’s early story starts with Deni Avdija. The 6-foot-9 forward has scored 22 points per game through two contests while also grabbing rebounds and setting up teammates. He plays like a big, powerful connector: he can drive to the rim, lead a fast break, or find an open teammate. Portland has scored 126 points per game so far, and its 31 assists per game show a team eager to share the ball instead of relying on one scorer.

The Blazers also own the early rebounding edge, pulling down 50.5 per game. Donovan Clingan is central to that work. At 7-foot-2, he makes the area near the hoop crowded, protects the rim, and gives guards a huge target on rolls to the basket. Portland will miss Shaedon Sharpe, who is out, so its guards and Avdija must provide extra scoring from the wings.

Memphis has its own giant answer in Zach Edey. The 7-foot-3 center has blocked two shots per game in his first three outings, which means Portland drivers must be ready for a towering wall near the rim. Edey and Clingan could turn missed shots into a major contest inside.

The Grizzlies’ new story revolves around rookie Cameron Boozer. He has collected 10.5 rebounds per game, a strong sign that his sturdy frame and smart positioning already help Memphis control possessions. His shooting has started slowly, but he keeps helping as a passer and rebounder. Grant, meanwhile, gives Memphis a long forward who can hit open three-pointers and defend several spots.

Memphis must take care of the ball. Its 17 turnovers per game can hand Portland extra chances, and the Blazers have averaged 10 steals. Yet the Grizzlies shoot 39.1 percent from three-point range, so clean passes to open shooters could quickly swing the action.

This game should be a loud early chapter for two teams moving forward in different ways. Portland has more scoring choices and home-court energy, but Memphis has already survived more tough moments. Prediction: Portland will win behind Avdija’s all-around play and its active defense.

Ja Morant Meets Memphis as Portland’s Fast Start Faces a 4-0 Challenge