Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 01/03/2024, 06:20  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 01/03/2024 at 06:20 in NBA Predictions

The Memphis Grizzlies will play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at the FedEx Forum in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 20-39 and 13th in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 15-42 and 14th in the Conference standings. 

The Portland Trail Blazers have been struggling immensely, losing 11 of their last 13 games, and will be hoping to avoid a tenth consecutive defeat after falling to the Heat in a 106-96 loss on Tuesday. Anfernee Simons led the team with 26 points, while Jerami Grant added 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Currently, the Trail Blazers rank 29th in scoring in the NBA, averaging 107.2 points per game, while the Memphis Grizzlies rank ninth in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 112.7 points. Portland scores more points at home, averaging 108.5 points per game, compared to 105.9 points per game on the road. On the defensive end, Portland allows an average of 116.3 points per game. Unfortunately, the Trail Blazers are dealing with several injuries, with Robert Williams III, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Moses Brown, and Malcolm Brogdon all sidelined.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been struggling, losing 12 of their last 14 games. They will now look to end a three-game losing streak after falling short to the Timberwolves 110-101 on the road last time out. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the standout performer, scoring 33 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and recording three steals. Currently, the Grizzlies rank last in scoring in the NBA, averaging 106.4 points per game, while the Portland Trail Blazers rank 17th in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 116.3 points. The Grizzlies score 4.9 fewer points per home game on average than on the road (103.9 at home, 108.8 on the road). However, they are performing well defensively, allowing an average of 112.7 points per game, ranking ninth overall in points allowed. Memphis are also dealing with several key injuries, including Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, and Marcus Smart. This leaves the Grizzlies without four of their top ten scorers.