#PORvsMEM Preview
PORTLAND - The Memphis Grizzlies were one of the league's hottest teams heading into the All-Star break, but experienced some trouble in their final two road games before that hiatus.
The Grizzlies have had fewer issues in some of their recent visits to Portland, but the Trail Blazers might get a boost from a pair of players who could make their team debuts Sunday night.
Memphis (39-14) has won 14 of 17 before getting some extended time off, which ends with the trip to Portland. The Grizzlies, though, were beaten handily in their final game heading into the break, 105-89 in Oklahoma City on Feb. 11, and dropped their final two road contests after winning a season-high five in a row there.
The Southwest Division leaders try to get back on track with their eighth win in nine matchups against the Blazers (36-18) and fifth in six visits in Portland.
"We need to come back after the break and be ready," forward Zach Randolph said. "It was a good first part of the season, but we can't be satisfied. We've got to come back and be ready."
The Grizzlies have taken both meetings with the Blazers this season, beginning with a 112-99 win in Portland on Nov. 28. The teams had a more competitive game in Memphis on Jan. 17 with the home team pulling out a 102-98 victory.
Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley missed the latter matchup because of a sore ankle. He had 21 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the victory in Portland.
INJURY REPORT
Portland: Joel Freeland (right shoulder strain) is out.
Memphis: Tony Allen (sore right hamstring/ankle) is probable. Vince Carter (left foot tendon injury) is out.
Participation Status Key:
- Probable – 75% chance that the player will play in the game
- Questionable – 50% chance that the player will play in the game
- Doubtful – 25% chance that the player will play in the game
- Out – Player will not play in the game
Projected Starters
SF
PF
C
SG
PG
Season Series
Previous Games
Remaining Games
Series Notes
- With a 36-18 record, Portland is three and a half games back of Memphis (39-14) for second place in the Western Conference standings.
- Both teams are ranked in the top-10 in terms of points allowed. Memphis is ranked first in the NBA at 95.7 points allowed per game, while Portland allows 97.2 points (7th in NBA).
- The Trail Blazers are the second best rebounding team in the NBA (45.8/game), while the Grizzlies are 16th in the league with 43.1 rebounds per game.
- Wesley Matthews has averaged 25.5 points against the Grizzlies this season while shooting 14-of-26 from beyond the arc (53.8%).
- In the first game between these two teams, Damian Lillard scored 25 points without making a three-point field goal (Career-high).
- LaMarcus Aldridge has averaged 25.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in two games against Memphis this season. Aldridge has notched six double-doubles in his previous eight games against the Grizzlies.
- Arron Afflalo scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting (2-3 3-PT, 5-5 FT) earlier this season on Jan. 3 against Memphis as a member of the Nuggets (W, 114-85). Afflalo has scored 10+ points in six of his last seven games against the Grizzlies.
Promotions
In Portland's Last Game
And boy, did it ever look it.
The Trail Blazers finished with a season-low in points, were outscored 74-52 in the final three quarters and shot just 18 percent from three to lose to the Jazz 92-76 for the first time this season.
“You got to give Utah credit with their defense,” said Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. “They were very energetic. They were scrambling. They were closing out hard on our shooters. Part of it was us, we didn’t make some shots. I think we could’ve executed a little bit better, passed the ball better. We struggled offensively in the second half, particularly after we took an eight point lead early in the third quarter and they picked it up. I think we were a little hesitant on some of our decisions.”
The 16-point deficit was Portland’s worst loss of the season.