Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers Betting Odds: Take the Points in a Close Game

Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers Odds

The Memphis Grizzlies look to snap a two game losing streak when they travel to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers. Despite the absence of Damian Lillard, can the Trail Blazers continue to play well vs. the Grizzlies?

A Bit of a Mess in Memphis

The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2022-23 NBA season with high expectations. Memphis is off to a 4-3 start to the season. The Grizzlies' four-wins have come vs. the Knicks, Nets, Rockets and Sacramento Kings. When they have stepped up in weight class, the Grizzlies have lost twice to Utah, and they suffered a 41-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

To be fair to Memphis, those three losses came on the road, and MVP candidate Ja Morant was out for the first game vs. the Jazz. Memphis is playing their fourth straight road game tonight, but this is not a bad road spot. The Grizzlies spent the weekend in Utah and had a pair of off days. They will be well rested for tonight's game vs. the Trail Blazers. Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane is questionable but I would expect him to give it a go.

The absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. can be seen in the Grizzlies' play so far this season. On offense, the Grizzlies are still sharp, but on defense, they have struggled. The Grizzlies have the worst defensive rating in the league and have given up 120 or more points in five of their seven games this season.

A Sensational Start for Portland

As I mentioned the Grizzlies came into the season with a-ton of well deserved hype. The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, were an afterthought a few weeks ago. After not making the playoffs last season the Trail Blazers were forgotten.

That will likely end up being a mistake. Damian Lillard was healthy to start the season, playing like the All-Star he is. Jusuf Nurkic is averaging a double-double. Anfernee Simons has developed into a nice young player. He is second on the team in scoring at 20 points per game. Off-season addition Jerami Grant has fit in well, averaging 15 points per game.

With a 5-1 moneyline record, the Trail Blazers are currently the top seed in the West. Lillard will be out for about another week or so with a calf injury, but if he can remain healthy, the Trail Blazers will be a playoff team in the West.

The Trail Blazers have had the Grizzlies' number for the past three seasons. Portland is 4-2 ATS and on the moneyline in their last six games vs. Memphis. Tonight’s contest will likely be a one-possession game. Expect a playoff-like atmosphere at Moda Center.

Grizzlies-Trail Blazers Pick

The Grizzlies and Trail Blazers will play an entertaining game that will be competitive until late in the fourth quarter. These types of games come down to star players. Morant is active for Memphis, but Lillard is out for Portland.

I don't see Memphis losing three-straight games. They will win a close game, but I can see the Trail Blazers covering the number. I would bet Memphis on the moneyline or the Trail Blazers at +3.5 or better.

Pick:  Trail Blazers +4.5