Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trail Blazers 10/27/21: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream
Contents
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Matchup Preview (10/27/21)
Ja Morant and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) will take a trip out west to Portland. The Trail Blazers (1-2) have had a brutal start to the 2021-22 NBA season, starting with the struggles of Damian Lillard, who is shooting 8.3% from behind the arc through three games. This is bound to change eventually, but it is a struggle for now. Offensively, the Blazers are not clicking; they are 16th in offensive efficiency and 18th in 3P% (three-point percentage.) While the 3P% ranking is largely due to Lillard, it is clear that Portland does not have its best stuff as a unit still. Memphis is in a slightly different position than Portland: it puts up a substantial amount of points on terrific efficiency (both first in the NBA). On the flip side, though, the Grizzlies allow the second-most points per game and rank dead-last in defensive efficiency.
The big necessity for each team to win this matchup is defense. Both of them have horrendous defenses. Surprisingly, despite bringing in Chauncey Billups, who played on perhaps the greatest defensive team ever, the Trail Blazers are not improved on that end of the floor. Whichever team locks up on the defensive end will likely win this game.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Odds
The opening lines have Portland as a home favorite at -2, while Memphis is +2. Memphis’s Moneyline is +110, and Portland’s is -130. The point total sits at 234, which is definitely on the higher end.
This game likely will end with Memphis securing a tough road win against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Grizzlies have been putting up some huge numbers offensively. Normally, I would be inclined to believe that Portland could keep up, but with Damian Lillard on an insane cold streak, it is unlikely the Trail Blazers win.
The point total is set quite high at 234 points. Neither team plays much defense: Portland ranks 21st in opponent points per game and 19th in defensive efficiency, while Memphis ranks 29th in opponent points per game and dead last in defensive efficiency. Still, it is difficult for me to feel confident when Damian Lillard shoots so poorly from the field. It will be close, but I am leaning towards the under.
If you're in a state with legal sports betting, you can bet on this game! Lineups has exclusive new sign up bonuses from the top legal Sportsbooks online.
TV Schedule
Date: 10/27/21
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Arena: Moda Center – Portland, OR
Channel: ESPN
Live Stream Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Free Online: Watch Every NBA Game
You can stream this game online for free. You can get a free 7-day trial and live stream NBA games from any device. Click the banner below and start watching.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup
PG: Ja Morant
SG: De’Anthony Melton
SF: Desmond Bane
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Jonas Valanciunas
Memphis Grizzlies Analysis
So far, so good for the Memphis Grizzlies as they have started the season with a record of 2-1 through three games. Of course, it is still very early; however, it is incredibly encouraging to see how well they are playing offensively. They are first in the NBA in both points per game and offensive efficiency, while also ranking second in eFG% (effective field goal percentage) and fifth in 3P% (three-point percentage.) The Grizzlies have great size underneath and even have strong rebounding perimeter players as well. They are eighth in the NBA in rebounds per game. One area that is hard to ignore for the Grizzlies, though, is their defense. They are last in the NBA in defensive efficiency and next-to-last in opponent points per game. Memphis plays at a high pace, so some of these numbers can be expected. However, for the Grizzlies to have a real chance to be competitive long-term, they will need to address defensive concerns early on. The health of Jaren Jackson Jr has also immensely helped Memphis, and it should be fun to watch the rest of the year.
Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineup
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: C.J. McCollum
SF: Norman Powell
PF: Robert Covington
C: Jusuf Nurkic
Portland Trail Blazers Analysis
What a miserable start to the 2021-22 season for the Portland Trail Blazers. Damian Lillard is playing the worst basketball he has during his long tenure in the NBA, and the Blazer’s defense has not gotten any better under new head coach Chauncey Billups. Currently, Portland ranks 21st in opponent points per game and 19th in defensive efficiency. On offense, the Blazers are fifth in eFG% (effective field goal percentage) and ninth in points per game. However, they are also 18th in 3P% (three-point percentage) and 21st in fastbreak points per game. Portland’s ceiling is much higher than this, considering its personnel. C.J. McCollum has had a strong start to the year, averaging 27.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 52.5/48.5/100 shooting splits. Anfernee Simons is also starting the 2021-22 season strong, but Portland will need more from Lillard and a few others if it wants to contend for the playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Daily Fantasy Picks
Desmond Bane has tremendous fantasy value and upside as a player. He is starting for the Grizzlies and has not disappointed so far, averaging 19.3 points on 47.8/34.8/85.7 shooting splits. Last season, Bane finished the season shooting 43.2% from behind the arc, so his 3P% (three-point percentage) will likely increase throughout the season. Bane has solidified himself as the No. 2 or 3 scorer for the Grizzlies based on a few games. His upper body strength is incredible for being a guard, in addition to being a great athlete and shooter. Expect Bane’s fantasy value to increase throughout the season, so scoop him now while you can.
Anfernee Simons is off to a quick start this season and has had several solid games. Simons is not a starter for the Trail Blazers but should get a good chunk of minutes. Currently, Simons is playing just shy of 21 minutes per game; however, in those 21 minutes, he is averaging 13.7 points, three rebounds, and two assists per game. As he continues to improve, Portland and head coach Chauncey Billups will inevitably want to use him more.