Memphis Grizzlies: Contributor score predictions at Portland Trail Blazers

The Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Portland Trail Blazers in a revenge series after the Blazers knocked the Grizz out of playoff contention last season.

The two teams will kick off this series on Friday in Portland, as Memphis will look to get a chance to beat this team with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the lineup. That said, Jonas Valanciunas will still be out with a concussion suffered a few games ago.

Look for this to be a completely different game than we watched to conclude last season, as these teams have different personnel than before. This could turn into a riveting matchup.

Can the Memphis Grizzlies get their revenge? Our contributors weigh in.

Jack Williams (Site Expert): The Memphis Grizzlies are a completely improved team from when they played the Portland Trail Blazers last season. That said, they’ve been in a bit of a funk and I don’t see that ending without Jonas Valanciunas in the lineup against a tough team like Portland, even with the Blazers on a 3-game skid of their own. I’d like to predict a win here, but I think they’ll lose close in a hard-fought game. Look for Ja Morant to carry the load and Jaren Jackson Jr. to have another efficient game off of the bench.

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 106, Portland Trail Blazers 118

Brandon Martinez: The Grizzlies dropped an embarrassing loss on Wednesday and look to rebound with a win in Portland today. With the team looking about as healthy as ever, I see them winning a close one in Portland. I can’t see them running away with the game with a guy like Dame on the opposing side.

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 113, Portland Trail Blazers 108

Taylor Goebel: Lead by the guard duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to bolster their record for the NBA Playoffs. Currently the 6th seed in the West, the Blazers are in good shape to make the playoffs this year, although they are currently hoping to end a 3-game skid. The Grizzlies are coming off a game in which they should have won against the Clippers, who had basically their whole starting lineup out. With JarenJackson Jr. finally making his debut last game, I think he makes an impact and the Grizzlies take home the win Friday night.

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 123, Portland Trail Blazers 117