Grizzlies at Trail Blazers
The Memphis Grizzlies may be without standout center Marc Gasol when
they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. Gasol left Tuesday's
win over Sacramento with neck spasms and is listed as questionable for
the tilt with Portland.
Gasol has been dealing with neck issues since the start of the season and coach Dave Joerger plans to see how Gasol is feeling at Thursday's shootaround before making a decision on his availability. Memphis opened the five-game road trip with a franchise-worst 50-point loss to Golden State before rebounding to beat the Kings. The Grizzlies will need to contend with the high-scoring Trail Blazers backcourt of point guard Damian Lillard (27.4) and shooting guard C.J. McCollum (22.6), who are combining for 50 points per game. Lillard scored a season-best 35 points and McCollum added 27 as Portland posted an impressive 108-92 road victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (3-2): Memphis gave up 103 or more points in three of its first four games, including a dreadful 119 points while being lambasted by Golden State. The defense was much better against the Kings as the Grizzlies posted season lows for fewest points (89) and field-goal percentage (39.2). "A lot of it has been attitude. Defense is mental. You've got to go out there and believe that you can stop people," Memphis point guard Mike Conley told reporters. "We've had lapses in a few games. And we've let our offense dictate what our defense does. If we're not making shots, we slack on the defensive end."
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (3-2): Lillard has scored 20 or more points in each of Portland's five games and his 137 total points are the most through five games by a Portland player since current Memphis standout Zach Randolph scored 140 in 2006. Lillard meshed well with McCollum during training camp and the Blazers were counting on the duo carrying the offense after an offseason exodus that led to Lillard being the only returning starter. McCollum is faring even better than anticipated and was 10-of-13 shooting from the field against the Jazz.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Grizzlies won all four of last season's meetings — their first-ever sweep of the Trail Blazers — and nine of the past 11 matchups.
2. Portland C Meyers Leonard (ankle) is doubtful after leaving Wednesday's game — and his injury opened the door for PF/C Mason Plumlee to contribute 12 points and a career-high 16 rebounds.
3. Randolph had his best shooting game of the season — 9-of-14 — while contributing 20 points and 11 rebounds against Sacramento.