Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction, Preview, and Odds

statsalt.com

01 January 0001

The Portland Trailblazers (26-24 ATS) travel to Tennessee to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (24-25-1 ATS). This is the second game of a two game home stand for the Grizzlies. These teams last squared off November 22, 2022 where the Grizzlies beat the Blazers in Portland. Tip off is set for 7:00 PM Eastern.

Let's dive in.

Blazers Won Last 3 Of Four

Portland was lifted by Damian Lillard who finished with 42 points, his 5th 40 point game this month. The Trailblazers had a 10 point lead at one point in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks tied it up with just over a minute to go. Anfernee Simons clinched the win with a 3-pointer to break the tie with under 30 seconds remaining. The Blazers were beaten on the battle of the boards and allowed 17 rebounds. They dominated they paint as they outscored the Hawks 50 to 34 in the interior.

On the season the Trailblazers come into this game with a net scoring margin of +.4 which is right around the league average. The Blazers have shot well from the floor and are currently top 10 in the league, knocking down 48.2% of their shots from the floor. From distance they have also been lethal. They are right outside the top 10 in attempts (34.1) per game, but come in 7th in the league knocking down 37.7% of their shots from beyond the arc. The Blazers haven't been dominant in the paint by any means as they score just under 48 points inside per game. The defense has also been somewhat inconsistent as they rank bottom 10 in the league allowing right around 52 points inside per game. Turnovers have been a problem for Portland this season. They had just eight in their last contest, but have been averaging 15 turnovers per game on the year, which is bottom 10 in the league. The defense hasn't necessarily been pesky either. The Blazers are coming in with with around six steals per contest, bottom three in the league. The high turnover rate has hindered the assist/turnover ratio for the Blazers, but they haven't been especially keen on ball distribution either. Portland comes into this contest bottom five in assists/turnovers and they will bout with a Memphis team that ranks top five in steals per game.

Memphis Ends 5 Game Skid

Ja Morant carried the Grizzlies with a triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds. The Grizzlies found themselves in a 12 point hole to start the second half, but they made it all back by the end of the third quarter, holding the Pacers to just 17 points on the quarter. The Grizzlies won the battle on the glass and snagged 15 offensive boards. They also outscored Indiana by 20 points in the key. The defense played a large part in the come from behind victory as they forced 18 turnovers.

Memphis enters this game with a net scoring margin of +4.4 points per game, which is good for top five in the league. The Grizzlies haven't been deadly in terms of shooting, ranking in the bottom half of the league. However, they have made up for their shooting percentage with their league leading field goal attempt rate. On the interior, the Grizzlies also lead the league as they are scoring just under 60 points in the key per game. The defense has been nearly as good down low. Memphis comes into this game ranked top five in opponent points in the paint per game, allowing just under 47 per contest. The his been even more aided by the Grizzlies ranking third in the NBA in right around six blocks per game. The offense ranks around the league average in turnovers per game, but the defense has been very keen at coming away with steals. Memphis is top five in the NBA committing around eight steals per contest. The Grizzlies have stayed strong on the offensive glass as they rank 2nd in the NBA, pulling in 29.1% of their missed shots.

Fan Dual is offering a crazy $3k "no sweat" first bet to new customers. If you're not already signed up, take advantage of this offer!!! Use it to build your bankroll with minimal risk. Deposit as much as you can responsibly, and play it on something safe that you have tons of confidence on. BOOM! Cash that and virtually double your bankroll, setting you up for a great year! 21+ only, see offer for additional T&C.

Best Bets

Full-Game Side Bet

Rating:

Memphis has been very good at home this season, winning seven of their last eight. Meanwhile, Portland is entering their first road game after a six game home stand. The Grizzlies have been very good on the interior, both offensively and defensively. The Blazers have struggled getting stops inside and Memphis should be able to take advantage here. The Blazers have also had turnover issues this season and the Grizzlies come into this contest among the league best in terms of steals per game. Look for Memphis to stay hot at the house. Portland is 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games.

Memphis -6.5

Prediction: Memphis -6.5

Full-Game Total Pick

Rating:

The Grizzlies are among the fastest pace teams in the league. I expect the Blazers to run with Memphis in this one. Portland's turnovers will result in quick fast break points or the Grizzlies and the hot shooting from deep will keep Portland scoring. Portland also find themselves getting to the line at a high rate and Memphis ranks in the bottom half of the league in opponent free throw rate. Each teams offense should be able to flourish in this one and I expect the pace of play to only aid this game in going to the over.

Over 228

Prediction: Over 228

I have been a basketball junkie my entire life and I played basketball up and into college, where l eventually hung it up for the last time. I was very competitive and that has translated over into sports wagering. It drove me to look at games and scour over film and trends to find that same advantage. Majoring in technology management in college, l spent hours studying markets and how they operate. While seeming efficient, they almost never are. This allows a savvy participant to exploit opportunities; in other words, to find their edge. Immediately l made the connection between general markets, and betting markets.What l bring to the table is a ceaseless drive to continually find my edge, the ability to capitalize on market movement, and the data, trends, and stats to confirm my assertion. My hunger for success is why you will be happy to read my breakdowns. No stone will go unturned to find you a winner.