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Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Keys to Victory Against Portland Trail Blazers

By AJ Salah

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 28: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 28: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 1: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers speak before the game between the two teams on April 1, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 1: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers speak before the game between the two teams on April 1, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of a slight quarter-season crisis. Here’s how they can steady themselves against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

The 2018-19 season’s first month was almost unsustainable for the Memphis Grizzlies. Even if the roster was not at full strength, there were too many external variables playing in their favor. Remaining atop the crowded West all season was a pipe dream; there was bound to be a regression to the mean.

While Memphis has slid all the way to sixth over the past two weeks, they have held footing in the playoff bracket. The Grizzlies have played their worst team ball of the season so far over that stretch, and it is merely a flesh wound.

A frustrating 105-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets dropped Memphis to 15-11; tied with the Portland Trail Blazers for 6/7th in the West. By stroke of divine coincidence, these two equals square off Wednesday at FedEx Forum.

Both the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers are  4-6 over their past 10 games, and looking to regain their spot in what is to become an increasingly-crowded homecourt scene. How does Memphis gain the upper hand in the battle? Beale Street Bears breaks down three keys to victory.

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