Portland Trail Blazers vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: Improved Trail Blazers can be a force even without Damian

The NBA Regular Season has made sure that we remain on our heels and the betting scenario looks even more complicated than the 2021-2022 Season. This is a tricky terrain but that makes up for an enthralling prediction window which only makes it more fun. It will certainly be fun when the Portland Trail Blazers take on Memphis Grizzlies in a Western Conference affair.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers come into this game after beating the struggling Houston Rockets 125:111 behind a 30 points outburst by guard Anfernee Simons. They have one loss and five wins but more than that, they are missing the services of Damian Lillard, who fortunately won’t be out long-term and is expected to return perhaps after this game. The team has surpassed expectations and their defense looks better than ever, limiting teams to 110 or below in most of the games thus far.

The change has been caused by the arrival of Jerami Grant whose ability to defend multiple positions has been huge. Josh Hart is also a hustle player who has infused energy as an all-around Guard. Anfernee Simons’ confidence took a leap last season whereas Jusuf Nurkic continues to be a powerful Center and has had big games lately. Shaedon Sharpe has emerged as an impressive rookie whereas Justise Winslow has shown great resolution as a bench player.

The trouble is that the frontline depth is missing from the bench. The Trail Blazers’ defense has been impressive and their offense has improved considering how well they are moving the ball. However, these are early days and they’ll be looking to build upon the gains they have acquired. One thing that makes Trail Blazers an alluring prospect this season is that they have a well-balanced lineup that came in with low expectations.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies come into this game after suffering a disappointing 105:121 loss against the Utah Jazz despite a 37 points outburst by Ja Morant. They lost both their games on the road trip to Utah but maintain a winning record with 4 wins and three losses. One area where they have been hurt is the defensive end and without Jaren Jackson Jr., there are too many leakages. They have given up 120+ points in most of the games thus far, which is a reminder of their early season struggles last season.

Ja Morant has been having another fantastic season, scoring at a 30+ points clip while Desmond Bane has also become an elite scorer since the last season. Dillon Brooks has been inconsistent but plays a big role on the defensive end while being an offensive factor while Steven Adams’ role has taken a hit because of his limited offense. Santi Aldama who is filling in for Jaren Jackson has cooled off a bit whereas Tyus Jones provides great guard depth as a starting-level player. Brandon Clarke is a slashing Forward off-the-bench.

Overall, the Grizzlies’ main struggles have been on the defensive end and they are not as dialed in as they should be. Surely, they need Jaren Jackson back and for the perimeter defender to tighten up a bit. The depth has been an admirable one for the Grizzlies since last season but their play needs to improve. As the team awaits the return of Jaren, they will have to unlock something special on defense.

Injuries

• Trail Blazers: OUT: Damian Lillard, Trendon Watford, Gary Payton II, Olivier Sarr. QUESTIONABLE: Josh Hart;
• Grizzlies: OUT: Jaren Jackson, Ziarie Williams, Danny Green. QUESTIONABLE: Steven Adams, Desmond Bane, Jake LaVaria

Player Props

• Expected Leading Scorers: Ja Morant(30+ Points), Anfernee Simons(26+ Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Jusuf Nurkic(10+ Rebounds), Josh Hart(7+ Rebounds, QUESTIONABLE);
• Expected Leading Assists Makers: Ja Morant(7+ Assists), Anfernee Simons(5-7 Assists).

Expert Betting Tips

The Grizzlies are hurt on the defensive end and they may have done well as an offensive unit, but they need to tighten up the screws. Without Lillard, the Trail Blazers have been hurt on the offensive end but Simons’ last season brought in big gains. Jerami Grant has been a driving effort and can also play strong defense. Josh Hart’s availability will be a huge factor.

Ja Morant has been the most effective option on the offensive end and has had no answer in the league. The Grizzlies have seen Dillon Brooks struggle a bit whereas the Trail Blazers' defense will only make it tougher. I see the Trail Blazers tightening it up on the defensive end but the Grizzlies taking control late. I see a close battle and the points range in 220-230.