Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Spread Pick 4/4/23

Portland Trail Blazers (33-45 SU, 37-41-0 ATS) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (49-29 SU, 36-40-2 ATS)
When: Tuesday, April 4th, 8:00 PM (ET)
Where: FedExForum, TN, Memphis
TV: BSSE

Point Spread: Por +18.5/Mem -18.5
Total: 233.5
Money Line: Portland Trail Blazers +1160/-2880

Notable Injuries

Trail Blazers

• Damian Lillard (Out) Calf
• Jerami Grant (Out) Quad
• Jusuf Nurkic (Out) Knee
• Justise Winslow (Out) Ankle
• Kevin Knox II (Questionable) Knee
• Anfernee Simons (Out) Foot
• Cam Reddish (Questionable) Back
• Matisse Thybulle (Questionable) Knee
• Nassir Little (Out) Ankle
• Keon Johnson (Out) Finger
• Trendon Watford (Questionable) Ankle
• John Butler Jr. (Questionable) Ankle
• Ibou Badji (Out) Knee

Grizzlies

• Steven Adams (Out) Knee
• Dillon Brooks (Questionable) Hip
• Brandon Clarke (Out) Achilles
• Ziaire Williams (Out) Foot

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Portland is 33-45 overall. When taking to the road, Portland has a mark of 16-22 and a win percentage of 42%. Currently, the team is 13th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 37-41-0 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs the spread, they are 1-4 in their past 5 games, and 2-3 ATS. Over their past 10 games, they are 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS.

Portland will be looking to build on their most recent win over the Timberwolves. Shaedon Sharpe led the team to a win with his 27 points. The Trail Blazers were 19-point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS win.

Heading into the game, Memphis is 49-29 overall. When playing at home, Memphis has a mark of 34-6 and a win percentage of 85%. Currently, the team is 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, they are 36-40-2 vs the spread. In Memphis’ last 5 games, the Grizzlies have a straight-up record of 3-2 while going 2-3 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 8-2 and 4-6 ATS.

In their most recent matchup, the Bulls defeated Memphis with a score of 128-107. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored the most points for the team with 31, but it was not enough to earn the win. The Grizzlies were 1 point ahead going into the game.

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. So far, the two teams have split their season series, with each team at 1-1. The level of competition has been tight in the 5 most recent games between Trail Blazers and Grizzlies with an even run differential. Portland has the ATS edge in this span at 4-1. The over-under record in these same games is 1-4, with the teams combining for an average of 222 points per game.

Analysis

This season, the Trail Blazers’ offense is averaging 113.3 points per game, which is 20th in the NBA. In terms of pace, Portland has been playing at one of the slower tempo’s in the league, averaging just 97.8 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 10th in 3-point shooting percentage at 36.6%. 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.

It’s worth mentioning that the Trail Blazers will be without their top two scorers, Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, for today’s game. This season, Lillard has been their leading scorer with 32.2 points per game, and Simons has been averaging 21.1 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 100.8 possessions per game. The Grizzlies have been able to put together a strong offensive attack despite sitting just 22nd in 3-point shooting percentage. Overall, they are among the league leaders in attempts at 33.9 attempts per game. 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%.

As the Grizzlies prepare for today’s game, Ja Morant is their leading scorer with an average of 26.5 points per game. This season, Morant has a field goal percentage of 46.3%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Desmond Bane, who is averaging 21.4 points per game.

Betting Trends

• Trail Blazers are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Trail Blazers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Well, it’s nearing the end of the season and oftentimes this means the ugliest lines are the ones that get the money. I’m laying -18.5 on the Memphis Grizzlies and am expecting a win of 40+ points!