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WHO
Memphis Grizzlies (27-20, 11-11 Away) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (20-27, 12-9 Home)
WHEN
9:00 p.m. Central
WHERE
Moda Center at the Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
WATCH/LISTEN
Fox Sports Southeast / 92.9 FM ESPN Memphis
What to Watch For
Personnel Rotations.
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Remember that time Big Spain dropped his first career 40-piece and the Grizzlies beat both the Raptors AND the officials in a late-game thriller? Yeah, it was exhausting. Also, Vince Carter is officially 40 and (whispers) I don’t actually think he’s immortal. So, as the Grizzlies kick off their biggest road trip of the year, let’s keep a keen eye on minute restrictions and Fizdale’s lineup variations.
C.J. McCollum.
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This dude loves playing the Grizzlies. He matched his career high with 37 points in the first matchup, and led Portland with 24 in the second. In the latter, Gasol outgunned him with 36 of his own, though the game itself was a high-80’s sludgefest. This matchup is usually won on the defensive end, which brings us to...
Pick-and-Roll Defense.
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It’s a perennial pain point for the Grizzlies, and the Blazers are extremely good at it. Here’s a lengthy breakdown on how Lillard and McCollum have honed it to perfection.
Prediction
Grizzlies lose one they should win, 100-93.