Blazers vs. Grizzlies Point Spread Pick

Portland Trail Blazers (24-26 SU, 26-24-0 ATS) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (32-18 SU, 24-24-2 ATS)
When: Wednesday, February 1st, 7:00 PM (ET)
Where: FedExForum, TN, Memphis
TV: BSSE

Point Spread: Por +5.5/Mem -5.5
Total: 229.5
Money Line: Portland Trail Blazers +186/-230

Notable Injuries

Trail Blazers

• Jusuf Nurkic (Probable) Calf
• Justise Winslow (Out) Ankle
• Josh Hart (Probable) Hamstring
• Ibou Badji (Out) Knee

Grizzlies

• Danny Green (Questionable) ACL/LCL
• Steven Adams (Out) Knee
• John Konchar (Questionable) Concussion
• Desmond Bane (Questionable) Knee

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Portland is 24-26 overall. When taking to the road, Portland has a mark of 10-15 and a win percentage of 40%. Currently, the team is 12th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 26-24-0 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs. the spread, they are 3-2 in their past five games and 2-3 ATS. Over their past ten games, they are 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS.

Most recently, the Trail Blazers took down the Hawks by a score of 129-125. Damian Lillard finished with 42 points, which was the most on the team. Portland did not cover the spread as 5-point favorites.

Heading into the game, Memphis is 32-18 overall. When playing at home, Memphis has a mark of 21-3 and a win percentage of 88%. Currently, the team is 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, they are 24-24-2 vs. the spread. In Memphis’ last five games, the Grizzlies have a straight-up record of 1-4 while going 2-3 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 5-5 and 4-6 ATS.

In their previous game, the Memphis team emerged victorious against the Pacers, winning by a margin of 8 points as predicted. Jaren Jackson Jr. shone for the Grizzlies, scoring 28 points on a shooting percentage of 63.2%. The Grizzlies not only won the game but also successfully covered the spread.

The Historicals

In the most recent game between the two teams, the Grizzlies picked up a 111-106 win over the Trail Blazers. However, heading into the game, Memphis was favored to win by 5.5 points, giving the Trail Blazers and ATS victory. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. In terms of betting, Portland has an ATS record of 4-1 in the previous five matchups vs. Memphis. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +3 points per game in favor of the Trail Blazers. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under mark of 1-4. Combined, they averaged 217 points in these games.

Analysis

This season, the Trail Blazers’ offense averages 114.1 points per game, which is 18th in the NBA. In terms of pace, Portland has been playing at one of the slower tempo’s in the league, averaging just 97.4 possessions per game. Portland’s offensive attack has benefited from some hot shooting from outside. Not only are they among the league leaders in 3-pointers attempted per game, but they are 7th in 3-point shooting percentage at 37.7%. The defense has been a struggle for Portland, as they are currently allowing 115.11 points per game. The team’s 3-point shooting defense has been a problem this year. So far, opposing offenses have hit 36.95% of their looks from the outside.

As the Trail Blazers prepare for today’s game, Damian Lillard is their leading scorer, averaging 30.4 points per game. This season, Lillard has a field goal percentage of 46.3%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Anfernee Simons, who is averaging 21.6 points per game.

This season, Memphis is among the league leaders in scoring, averaging 116.7 points per game. So far, the Grizzlies are also one of the more up-tempo teams in the league, sitting at 101.3 possessions per game. Memphis’ 3-point shooting numbers are below the league average, as they have hit just 34.4% of their looks from deep. On average, the team gets up 33.0 3-point shots per game, placing them 18th in the NBA. Defensively, the Grizzlies have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 109.93 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 34.88%.

Coming into today’s game, Ja Morant is the leading scorer for Memphis at 27.3 points per game. This season, Morant has a field goal percentage of 46.5%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Dillon Brooks, at 15.6 points per contest.

More Picks: Sacramento at San Antonio betting analysis and free pick 2/1/23 >>>

Betting Trends

• The Trail Blazers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following a straight-up win.
• The Trail Blazers are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following an ATS loss.
• The Grizzlies are 19-9-1 ATS in their last 29 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• The Grizzlies are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Memphis -5.5 point spread is one of the biggest jokes we’ve seen all season. The Grizzlies have lost five out of their last six games. The Blazers struggle defensively and are a much lesser team on the road, but Memphis needs to play better to justify being this big of a favorite. I’m betting Portland plus the points!