Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies face the Trailblazers: Preview, how to watch, betting odds

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nov 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) handles the ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies will look for their second five-game winning streak of the season, as they host Damian Lillard and the Portland Trailblazers.

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trailblazers

WHERE: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN

WHEN: December 8, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast (or you can stream it online, but that’s none of my business).

HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN Radio Memphis

BETTING ODDS: Memphis (1.5); Over/Under (205.5)

About the Blazers (12-11, 5-7)

Many predicted the Blazers to take the next step, after overachieving with a 44-win season and a second round exit last year. They added Evan Turner to their young core. In addition, they locked in C.J. McCollum, Mo Harkless, Meyers Leonard and Allen Crabbe. The young core seemed poised to make noise in the Western Conference, however, it just hasn’t clicked.

The Trailblazers are off to a 12-11 start, giving up an atrocious 112.5 points per game.

While their play has been disappointing, Damian Lillard has put the league on notice, once again. He’s currently averaging a sizzling 27.9 points per game. After getting snubbed from the All-Star game last season, Dolla’ Dame is out to prove that he’s an elite NBA point guard.

C.J. McCollum is also in the 20-point-per-game club (22.0 PPG). Evan Turner has been a bust so far, producing a real plus-minus of -4.66, worst among all shooting guards.

About the Grizzlies (15-8, 8-4)

After the Memphis Grizzlies lost Mike Conley to injury, they were supposed to be doomed. Let’s also mention the fact that they don’t have Chandler Parsons, Vince Carter, Brandan Wright and James Ennis, all key contributors to this squad. They were supposed to spiral into the abyss of the NBA.

Instead, they’re riding a four-game winning streak in typical “Grit ‘n Grind” fashion.

The “Nasty Nine” era has come to an end, after Zach Randolph’s triumphant return.

While Marc Gasol’s stellar play and Troy Daniels’ barrage of 3-pointers have been the main keys, Tony Allen has been the driving force of this ball club. He lead the Grizzlies back from a 14-point deficit against the Orlando Magic. In their double-overtime win over the Pelicans, he scored a season-high 19 points and hauled in 14 rebounds. Without the Grindfather, the Memphis Grizzlies could be 0-5 without their max-contract point guard.

Nov 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

History

The Memphis Grizzlies are 27-29 all-time against Portland. More importantly, these two teams have some recent history with each other.

In the 2015 playoffs, the Grizzlies and Blazers faced each other in a 4/5 first-round matchup. The Grizzlies dismantled them in five games. However, one thing that’s engraved in the minds and hearts of every Grizzlies’ fan is the scene when C.J. McCollum elbowed Mike Conley in the face, forcing him to undergo surgery and to wear a mask.

This past season match-up was eventful for the Grizzlies. Chandler Parsons made his debut but didn’t make a single bucket. The Grizzlies did a great job locking down Lillard, holding him to 19 points on 3-for-11 shooting. However, his backcourt Robin, CJ McCollum, came to the rescue, scoring 37 points on 6-for-12 shooting from beyond the arc. Behind his efforts, the Blazers won 100-94.

Nov 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) guards Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) during the second half at FedExForum. Portland Trail Blazers defeats Memphis Grizzlies 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to the Game

1. Tame the Dame (and C.J. McCollum)

Both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are dynamite scorers. They each have the ability to drop 40+ points on any given night. The Grizzlies must be on their A-game defensively. The Grindfather, Tony Allen, must shut the water off on one of them. Rookie guards Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin must be ready on the less glamorous end of the court, as TA can’t guard both of them. If Lillard and McCollum get hot, you might as well mark an “L” on this game for the Grizzlies.

2. Feed the bigs

Mason Plumlee, Meyers Leonard and Ed Davis are all quality big men. On the other hand, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are All-Star players. Since Conley’s absence, Gasol’s been averaging 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.0 blocks. In his last game, Randolph notched in a routine double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. The Grizzlies need stand-out performances from their bigs, if they want to win this game.

3. Give Troy Daniels the green light

After many thought Troy Daniels has been a bust, he’s come alive in a big way. Over the past five games, he’s a red-hot 47.7 percent from beyond the arc (21-of-44). In addition, he’s averaged 21.6 points, filling for Conley’s scoring. Even though he was 1-for-8 from 3-point land last game, he must continue to let it fly.

Prediction

The Blazers are coming off a back-to-back with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Grizzlies have the momentum of a four-game winning streak and their sixth-man back. It’ll be a close game, but I’m giving Memphis the edge in this contest.

Stay tuned on our Twitter @BealeStBearsFS for live updates on the game.

#WeEnnis