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Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference foes

By Parker Fleming

Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Portland Trail Blazers

Overview:

The Portland Trail Blazers shocked the NBA world last season by grabbing the fifth seed and making a run to the second round. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum is the best back-court duo that doesn’t play in California’s bay area. With the additions of Festus Ezeli and Evan Turner, they are slowly transforming into a pseudo-Golden State Warriors. They have thrown oodles of money at Lillard, McCollum, Turner, Allen Crabbe and Mo Harkless. If this Portland team could mesh, they are a dark-horse to give the Spurs and Warriors fits in the postseason.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Front-Court Mismatch

Ed Davis, Mason Plumlee, and Festus Ezeli are quality post defenders, but is it enough to contain Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph? In four games against Portland last season, Zach Randolph was a 20/11 player. If they could get similar production from Randolph and a strong showing from Gasol, Portland’s front-court will have some terrible evenings.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

Lillard and McCollum

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have the ability to light up a scoreboard. Both players are 20 points per night scorers. Mike Conley and Tony Allen must do whatever it takes to contain them. If they fail to do so, the Memphis Grizzlies will struggle to keep up.

Projected Record: 49-33

Next: 3. Los Angeles Clippers

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