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Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trailblazers: Preview

By Spencer Landon

Jan 8, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Grizzlies travel to Portland tonight to take on Damian Lillard’s Trailblazers. Can they build off of their stellar victory over the Toronto Raptors?

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (27-20) at Portland Trailblazers (20-27)

WHERE: Moda Center – Portland, OR

WHEN: Friday, January 27, 2017 – 9:00 PM CT

HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast

HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN Memphis

BETTING ODDS:  Portland (-2); O/U(207.5)

Portland Trailblazers: (20-27)

The Trailblazers are currently in 9th place in the Western Conference and come into tonight’s game off of a loss to the Houston Rockets. So far this season, the Trailblazers have had their struggles. They’re inconsistent and have yet to really found their rhythm.

In December, when Portland traveled to Memphis, they gave the Grizzlies almost all they could handle. The low scoring game went down to the wire. The Trailblazers fell short, 88-86. C.J. McCollum was the leading scorer with 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting.

Memphis Grizzlies: (27-20)

The Memphis Grizzlies come into tonight’s game following a victory over the Toronto Raptors. The Grizzlies look to build off of that sweet victory. Marc Gasol found his rhythm, scoring 42 points.

The last time these two teams met, Gasol also had a huge game. He scored 36 points,  drained four threes and grabbed nine boards.

Consistency has been an issue of late. Backup point guard woes, a Chandler Parsons minutes restriction that has yet to change and the struggle to get sharpshooter Troy Daniels into the rotation have all had less-than-ideal effects on Memphis.

Did their win over the Raptors get them back on track?

Related Story: Marc Gasol can't be stopped!

Prediction:

I expect the Grizzlies to win tonight. Marc Gasol should have a huge game after being named to the All-Star team for the third time in his career.

The Grizzlies must come into tonight’s game ready to play. They can’t get down early if they want to win this game. They have a tendency to lose to average teams, but they can win if they play they did against Toronto.

I also predict “Captain Clutch” Mike Conley to play a huge role in tonight’s game. He will have his hands full with Damian Lillard, but Conley is gonna Conley, especially after being snubbed from the All-Star team.

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