NBA Match Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trail Blazers
Meeting after almost a month, Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers are ready for their second clash of the season. Having visited the Blazers on the 16th of last month, this time around the Grizzlies are ready to host the Blazers at the
FedEx Forum.
Currently on a two game winning streak, Grizzlies finished their four match road trip on Saturday. Having lost only their week’s opening match against Utah Jazz, Grizzlies finished off the week with a 2-1 mark.
Grizzlies four game winning streak at home was broken on 3rd Dec when they hosted the Houston Rockets. With excellent performance from Rockets, Grizzlies lost the match by sixteen points despite the home court advantage. The Grizzlies currently
stand at a 6-5 win loss mark this season.
Notable performance from power forward Zach Randolph helped lead the Grizzlies onto their two-game winning streak. Randolph scored 34 points with 17 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday whereas he scored 18 points with 13 boards against the Los
Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Randolph helped the Grizzlies record an NBA best of 47.8 points in the paint.
Following the victory on Saturday, Coach Lionel Hollins said, "Our effort is becoming more consistent. Our defence is getting more consistent. We just have to stay focused offensively throughout the course of the game, and good things will happen."
Blazers, on the other hand, finished off last week with only one loss. A 3-1 mark for the week, Blazers enjoyed wins over the Suns on Tuesday and Friday and the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Enjoying a four game winning streak till Friday, the Blazers lost
it on Sunday when they lost to the Western Conference toppers, San Antonio Spurs.
Even though Blazers might miss their shooting guard Brandon Roy, Wesley Matthews has helped the Blazers to victory recently. Matthews is averaging 20.3 and Blazers' score with him is 6-3 this season.
Roy’s absence in their last matchup with the Grizzlies didn’t affect the scores much as Matthews’ career high of 30 points helped the Blazers enjoy their eighth straight win over the Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum.
Roy aggravated his knee during Blazers' visit to San Antonio. Missing cartilage in both his knees, Roy has missed three games this season. Roy’s injury caused him to be held at nine points last night for the second time this season.
Talking about his injury, Roy said, "I tweaked my knee a little early in the game, and it was little sore going on from there. You know, I still got some looks, but didn't really have the explosiveness. Earlier I kind of made a move and kind of twisted it
a little bit. I didn't really have the same lift, but I should be good for (Monday)."
Despite the injury Roy wants to play the Grizzlies tonight. Though his absence might not cost the Blazers much since Matthews continues to perform well and also the Blazers enjoy the psychological c*m statistical advantage of leading the head to head 1-0.
Will the Blazers up their lead to 2-0? Or will the Grizzlies finally manage to break the Blazers’ winning streak and level the head to head? It remains to be seen.
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