Grizzlies, Blazers Meet In Play-In Round
The Memphis Grizzlies will play the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday at Orlando in the NBA Playoff Play-In Round.
The Grizzlies (34-39) secured a play-in berth in their final game of the regular season, as they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in order to secure the ninth seed of the Western Conference ahead of the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. However, the Grizzlies can't feel happy for playing in this game. Memphis had a three-and-a-half game lead when play resumed July 30, but poor performances saw them stumble to a 2-6 record in the bubble. Memphis won the game that mattered the most, however, and now they will determine their fate in one -- or two, in a best-case scenario -- game against the Blazers.
Memphis lists Tyus Jones as questionable for Saturday's contest, as the point guard has not felt completely healthy and will be assessed prior to tip-off, while Jaren Jackson (knee) and Justise Winslow (hip) have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Blazers (35-39), on the other hand, had to suffer until the final seconds of their final game of the season against the Brooklyn Nets. Portland had to come from behind against Brooklyn and secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference when Caris LeVert's potential game-winning shot bounced off the rim. Undoubtedly, the Blazers will trust Damian Lillard to secure a spot in the postseason, where a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers awaits. The star point guard averaged a league-leading 37.6 points per game since the league restarted last month. Portland looked impressive in the Orlando bubble, however, going 6-2 while winning their final three games in dramatic fashion.
Portland lists Nassir Little as a game-time decision due to illness. Trevor Ariza (personal), Rodney Hood (Achilles) and Caleb Swanigan (personal) have all been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The structure of the play-in round dictates there could be a maximum of two games. The Blazers must win one game, while the Grizzlies must win two in order to clinch the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
The Grizzlies (34-39) secured a play-in berth in their final game of the regular season, as they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in order to secure the ninth seed of the Western Conference ahead of the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. However, the Grizzlies can't feel happy for playing in this game. Memphis had a three-and-a-half game lead when play resumed July 30, but poor performances saw them stumble to a 2-6 record in the bubble. Memphis won the game that mattered the most, however, and now they will determine their fate in one -- or two, in a best-case scenario -- game against the Blazers.
Memphis lists Tyus Jones as questionable for Saturday's contest, as the point guard has not felt completely healthy and will be assessed prior to tip-off, while Jaren Jackson (knee) and Justise Winslow (hip) have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Blazers (35-39), on the other hand, had to suffer until the final seconds of their final game of the season against the Brooklyn Nets. Portland had to come from behind against Brooklyn and secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference when Caris LeVert's potential game-winning shot bounced off the rim. Undoubtedly, the Blazers will trust Damian Lillard to secure a spot in the postseason, where a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers awaits. The star point guard averaged a league-leading 37.6 points per game since the league restarted last month. Portland looked impressive in the Orlando bubble, however, going 6-2 while winning their final three games in dramatic fashion.
Portland lists Nassir Little as a game-time decision due to illness. Trevor Ariza (personal), Rodney Hood (Achilles) and Caleb Swanigan (personal) have all been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The structure of the play-in round dictates there could be a maximum of two games. The Blazers must win one game, while the Grizzlies must win two in order to clinch the eighth seed in the Western Conference.