An NBA game day preview between the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers.
When: 2:30 PM ET, Saturday, August 15, 2020
Where: ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex, Kissimmee, FL
TV: ABC
Odds: POR -6 O/U 232
Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 34-39
Away Record: 14-22
Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 35-39
Home Record: 21-15
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game Day Preview
The Western Conference Play-In game will be between the 9 seed, Memphis Grizzlies, and the 8 seed, Portland Trail Blazers. Memphis held the 8 seed coming into the bubble but after going 2-6, the Blazers took advantage by amazingly going 6-2. Now they will play 1, possibly 2, games to see who will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.
Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have not been the same team since losing Jaren Jackson Jr. for the season due to injury. Memphis has also been unhappy with the stipulations of playoff seeding within the bubble which also could have had an effect on their play. But they need to clear their minds and play their best basketball if they want to beat the Blazers not once, but twice. Rookie sensation, Ja Morant, will have to have the biggest games of his life to take down Dame Dolla and the Blazers. Morant is averaging 17.8 points a game this season but will have to score more than that in this game. Ja is a competitor so I believe he easily scores more than 20 points.
Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard said before entering the bubble that he wanted to have a valid shot at making the playoffs if he was going to risk his health and return to basketball. Lillard backed his words up and led Portland to a play in game many thought they wouldn’t make. The NBA Bubble was supposed to be “The Zion Williamson Show” but it has turned into “Dame Time.” In his last 3 games, Lillard has averaged over 50 points a game. The man loves the pressure and is sure to have another remarkable game Saturday. And if he is tightly guarded, which he will be, expect his assists to be way up.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Facts & Fantasy Basketball Predictions
Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers Facts
- Memphis are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games.
- Portland are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The TOTAL has gone OVER in the Blazers’ last 5 games..
StatementGames Fantasy Basketball Picks
- Damian Lillard OVER 33.5 PTS
- Damian Lillard OVER 6.5 Assists
- Ja Morant OVER 6.5 Assists
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