Memphis Grizzlies Host the Portland Trail Blazers

Nov 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives to the basket on Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12 during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Conley Update

– Mike Conley missed Friday’s game against the Magic as he’s dealing with two sore ankles. He had a boot on Wednesday, and it’s possible he misses another or two to be cautious. Beno Udrih started on Friday and played well, scoring 15 points on 50 FG% and dishing 5 assists. Udrih saw around 28:50 minutes as a starter and typically averages 17:42 off the bench for the Grizzlies.

The Jeff Green Effect

– Jeff Green had a sharp game off the bench against the Magic with 21 points (12 in the fourth quarter) and has not missed a free throw in 2015. Green is 9-9 at the stripe through two games with the Memphis Grizzlies and 15-15 overall. Green has had 29 field goal attempts in his first two games, averaging 14.5 FGAs a game. Comparatively, Tayshaun Prince averaged 7 field goal attempts a game through his stay with the Grizzlies.

Previous Matchup with Trail Blazers Result

– The Memphis Grizzlies last defeated the Portland Trail Blazers (Score: 112-99) at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon on November 28th, 2014. All five of the Grizzlies players scored in double figures in the matchup with Marc Gasol scoring a game high 26 points to go along with 9 assists. The Grizzlies simply shot more effectively with a .536 FG% to the Trail Blazers .402 FG%. Wesley Matthews was the leading scorer for the Trail Blazers, scoring 26 points with 7-12 from three-point land.

Key Matchups

– The Grizzlies will have their hands full with Damian Lillard who scored 20 points and dished 9 assists in their last matchup. Udrih will have to turn it up a notch as a starter and likely will. He’s responded to the challenge every time he’s been fed minutes this season. Conley distributed 9 assists last time around but is likely to rest tomorrow and heal up.

– LaMarcus Aldrige and Chris Kaman will share the frontcourt against Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Randolph shot 7-13 for 14 points and 13 rebounds in the previous matchup. Kaman had 16 points on 7-16 shooting and 11 rebounds. Aldrige had 19 points and 10 rebounds but was defended well by the Grizzlies going 7-19, and 36.8 FG% overall. To put things in perspective, Aldridge has scored 50 FG% or better in 6 of the last 10 games including an impressive 37 point outburst against the Clippers.

Fan Promotions

– According to NBA.com, tonight’s matchup will feature promotions for fans in attendance.

– Highlights include a free Grizz Girls Poster to the first 5,000 fans in attendance. As well as an autograph session with several players from the St. Louis Cardinals. Both current players and alumni will sign autographs starting at 7 pm until 7:45 pm. Tipoff for tonight’s game is at 8 pm sharp.

Memphis Grizzlies Current Record:

28-11