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NBA Playoffs: Memphis Grizzlies Draw Portland Trail Blazers

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 21, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) brings the ball up court against Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

After defeating the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies earned themselves a duel with the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

There were many confusing scenarios and many implications–crossing between the Eastern and Western Conferences and even depending upon third- and fourth-level tie-breaker rules. To say the least, it has been crazy and ridiculous.

But now we are here. The 55-27 Memphis Grizzlies now know who they will play in the first round. That team? The 51-31 Portland Trail Blazers. A very, very familiar face. Grizz Nation rejoices–finally, Memphis plays a team in the postseason that is not named the Clippers or the Spurs!

Here is a look at how the NBA Playoffs have shaped up heading into this weekend’s first games of the first round.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, this was a great draw. Memphis has been resting players, attempting to reach a fully healthy roster from top to bottom. The Blazers have lost multiple players to injuries in recent weeks. They currently have six players listed on their injury report.

Mar 21, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97-86 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA Playoffs mean it is now or nothing, so Memphis should not expect the majority of the recovering Blazers’ players to miss the first game of the series. However, sharpshooter Wesley Matthews is out for the season. After Matthews, the Portland Trail Blazers face some uncertainties with whom they will be able to put on the floor.

To make matters worse for Portland, even though they own the 4-seed in the Western Conference (due to winning their division), they still do not receive home court advantage. Memphis loves this fact because they are extremely difficult to defeat when they are protecting the Grindhouse in M-Town. They also swept the Trail Blazers (4-0) in the regular season.

Grizz Nation should know very soon the status of Tony Allen and Mike Conley for Game 1. If the Memphis Grizzlies are able to have each player available in the NBA Playoffs, they are truly a favorite to become first-time World Champions in due time.

Keep it posted to Beale Street Bears as the Memphis Grizzlies look to begin their title push. Make us your one and only stop for all news, information, outlooks, and insight into each and every postseason matchup for your Grizzlies.

Go Grizz!

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