Streaking Grizzlies Favored Over Struggling Trail Blazers

The Memphis Grizzlies (19-11, 19-11 ATS) host the Portland Trail Blazers (12-18, 11-19) on Sunday in their third meeting of the season and second in five days. The Grizzlies look to win their sixth straight game while the Trail Blazers have lost seven of their last eight outings.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Grizzlies opened as 4.5-point favorites with the total set at 221 points. The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the two teams. Memphis is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 contests while Portland is 3-9 ATS in its last 12.

Portland News & Notes

Portland picked up a win its last outing, beating the Charlotte Hornets 125-116 on Friday. Damian Lillard was exceptional, dropping 43 points and 8 assists to lead all scorers while Ben McLemore scored 28 of his own in the win.

The Trail Blazers have struggled since the loss of CJ McCollum, who has been sidelined indefinitely with a lung issue since December 4. Portland has gone 1-5 over that span, quickly falling towards the bottom of the Western Conference.

Dennis Smith Jr. (knee) is probable for Sunday’s matchup while both Tony Snell (personal) and Cody Zeller (quad) are questionable.

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Memphis News & Notes

The Grizzlies won their fifth straight contest on Friday with a 124-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings. It was a team effort as Desmond Bane (24 points), Dillon Brooks (23) points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (21 points) each chipped in with 20-plus point performances.

Despite being without leading scorer Ja Morant since November 26, the Grizzlies have been red-hot, going 10-1 in his absence. Brooks, Jackson Jr., and Bane have certainly stepped up offensively, but it’s been team defense that has really taken a step, allowing just 95.9 points per game over this 11-game run.

Ziaire Williams (ankle), Brandon Clarke (knee) and Santi Aldama (calf) are all out for Sunday.

How Portland Will Cover

The Trail Blazers are certainly up against it on Sunday, continuing to play without McCollum while coming up against a tough Grizzlies team. Lillard will likely have to be a one-man show, again, if Portland is going to have any chance of winning this matchup, or even keeping it close.

How Memphis Will Cover

The Grizzlies just beat the Trail Blazers by 10 points on Wednesday and haven’t won a game by fewer than seven points since November 22. If they can hold Lillard to under 40 points – which isn’t much to ask from a team that’s been stout defensively – Memphis should roll to another easy victory.

Computer Pick: Memphis -4.5

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