Damian Lillard and Ja Morant started together for the first time for the Trail Blazers on October 21, 2026, in a win over the Phoenix Suns. Lillard scored 25 points in 24 minutes on 6-of-10 from three; Morant had 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and a plus-33. Early discussion credited Donovan Clingan's screening for opening lanes for both guards. Mark Spears has since reported that Morant will likely come off the bench, and Morant did come off the bench in a preseason game in Sacramento, leaving open how the starting pairing and the bench role fit together.