Betdistrict.com
The Blazers will take on the Grizzlies in Memphis, hoping to capitalize on the fact that the hosts will miss their best player, Mike Conley.
The Grizzlies (7-8, 4-4 home) are currently on a 4 game losing streak, but an even bigger issue is the fact that they lost their All Star point guard Mike Conley indefinitely. Memphis was useless without Conley in their last two outings, losing to the Pacers (by 3) and to the Rockets (by 22), both of those games being at home.
Portland (9-7, 2-3 away), is coming after a 12 point home win against Sacramento a couple of nights ago, their 3rd win in the last 4 games. It has been a reasonably good season so far for the Blazers (although they had a pretty easy schedule and could have done better), who are expected to fight with Memphis for the 7th or 8th seed in the Western Conference.
Bet on Grizzlies vs Blazers and claim your 100% (100 Eur) freebet at Ohmbet now!Team news: Not only is Memphis missing Conley, but they might also be without Tyreke Evans (questionable), who has probably been their third best player this season. Rotation pieces Wright, Selden and Rabb are also out, so the Grizzlies have some serious injury problems. The Blazers continue to be without Aminu, Baldwin and Wilcox, but only Amino is a notable loss.
Without Conley and potentially without Evans, Memphis will have real issues against one of the top backcourts in the league, Lillard and McCollum. If Evans doesn`t play, the problems will be very serious. Even if he does, Conley`s absence takes a lot away from this team, as he is their playmaker and arguably their best player. The Grizzlies usually have a tough time finding any offense without him, and he would have also been crucial to slowing down Damian Lillard tonight.
The Rockets, another team with an excellent backcourt, abused the Grizzlies in Memphis two nights ago, and that was with Evans fit.
This will be a very good matchup for Portland’s guards, and Memphis will need a very big night from Marc Gasol if they are to win this game. Gasol will definitely be the go to guy, but even a great game for him might not be enough to nullify the matchup problems Memphis will have in the backcourt.
McCollum and particularly Lillard (who should abuse Chalmers) could have great games here, and Portland should be able to take home the W. They did lose their last three games on the road so that is a reason for concern, but all in all my tip is the Blazers to win. Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies – Portland Trailblazers 95 – 102.
Pick: Blazers
Odds: 1.90 @ Betfair Sportsbook
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.20
Event date: 21 November
