WHO: Portland Trailblazers (15-32, 14th in the West) vs Memphis Grizzlies (20-39, 13th in the West)
When: Friday March 1, 7:00 p.m. CST
Or: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee
How to watch: Bally Sports South East
Injury report:
Memphis: GG Jackson (Questionable, Quad), Luke Kennard (Questionable, Illness), John Konchar (Questionable, Thumb), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Out, Quad), Desmond Bane (Out, Ankle), Ja Morant (Out, Shoulder) , Brandon Clarke (Out, Achilles), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out, Lumbar Disc Bulge), Derrick Rose (Out, Back), Marcus Smart (Out, Finger)
Portland: Moses Brown (Questionable, Wrist), Deandre Ayton (Questionable, Hand), Scoot Henderson (Out, Adductor), Malcolm Brogdon (Out, Elbow), Shaedon Sharpe (Out, Abdomen), Robert Williams III (Out, Knee)
Cross Vince
The Grizzlies have only won two games in February, but it’s a new month that begins with back-to-back home games against the Portland Trailblazers, who are almost as undermanned as Memphis. The Grizz will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. tonight, who had 33 points and 13 rebounds in Wednesday night’s loss to the Timberwolves. With GG Jackson questionable, Memphis will have the chance to get to 90 points. That leaves a man.
Vince Williams Jr. has quickly become one of my favorite Grizzlies this season. He embodies everything that Memphis basketball is and is the perfect complementary piece to add to a healthy Memphis core. Williams will be the number one option against the Blazers tonight, giving him an opportunity to shine even more.
After 16 straight games scoring in double figures, Williams has cooled off lately, scoring nine, six and 11 in his last three. His shot falters from night to night, but Williams constantly crashes the boards and serves up assists. He has had nine straight games with 5+ assists and is evolving as a playmaker. As Williams spends more time with the ball in his hands, he gets a feel for his teammates and gets a feel for himself. improves in reading his opponents.
On Wednesday, Williams made 15 shots, the second most of his career. I expect that number to be even higher tonight, because it needs to be if Memphis intends to win this game.
Team Defense
On the defensive end, Williams will likely be tasked with guarding dynamic scorer Anfernee Simons. If Williams is busy orchestrating the offense, he risks burning out to keep up with the speedy guard, so other Grizzlies will have to step up their efforts. If GG misses the game, Memphis will find itself on another wing, leaving Ziaire Williams and Jordan Goodwin to protect the perimeter.
With JJJ out, the paint will be vulnerable and it will be up to Santi Aldama, Jake LaRavia and Lamar Stevens to minimize the interior scoring. Yeah.
Memphis doesn’t have the defensive personnel to stop Portland, but if the Grizz play team basketball, hustling and fighting for loose balls, they could make enough plays to limit the Blazers.
This will be an ugly game with very little scoring, but if the Grizzlies allow Simons to warm up, Portland could run away.
