Trail Blazers at Grizzlies
THE STORY: The Memphis Grizzlies had a harder-than-expected time with an inferior foe in their last game. They will receive another opportunity to improve their playoff positioning against a struggling opponent on Saturday when the Portland Trail Blazers pay a visit to FedExForum. Memphis is trying for a fourth straight victory as the Grizzlies open a season-ending three-game homestand. Portland has dropped seven of eight games, including a season-high four in a row.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, SportSouth
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (28-35): Portland is likely counting down the days until the disappointing campaign comes to a close. The Trail Blazers face a rebuilding project as they search for a new general manager and decide on the fate of interim coach Kaleb Canales. A flurry of trades and injuries certainly hasn't helped the cause. The current starting five has been made-over following the departures of Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby as well as the absence of All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge to a season-ending injury.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (38-25): Memphis struggled more than it should have in an 85-80 win over the league-worst Charlotte Bobcats on Friday. But the triumph helped the Grizzlies climb within a game of the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the West. "This was a big win for us,” point guard Mike Conley said. “We locked up the fifth spot and now we have a shot at the fourth seed, so we needed this win." Memphis has won its last eight home games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Conley is averaging 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds his past three games.
2. Portland has controlled the series of late, winning three straight and five of six.