To set their date with the Lakers, the Portland Trail Blazers have to first defeat the Grizzlies in the Play-In Game. Here’s the injury report, and how to watch.
A mere two weeks ago, the prospect of a potential Play-In Tournament game against the Grizzlies felt a bit more intimidating. The Portland Trail Blazers entered the bubble with the simple goal of staying within the four-game distance of Memphis, a team that had already outclassed them in one regular season matchup.
But, the tides have turned in a major way; the Blazers came to Orlando, and went 6-2, effectively snatching sole possession of the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed. They have their chance to reap the benefits of that, starting with today’s game.
Portland and Memphis will tip-off in the NBA’s first-ever Play-In Game. By virtue of their higher seeding, Portland can both clinch a Playoff spot, and eliminate Memphis’s season with a win. Memphis would need to defeat the Trail Blazers twice to eliminate Portland.
This opportunity wouldn’t be possible if not for Portland’s 140-135 victory to open Orlando play. And while many of their biggest flaws have yet to be rectified — perimeter defense, third quarter scoring, fouling — they did give themselves some confidence, as it relates to their matchup with Memphis.
In that game, they explored new strategies to defend Ja Morant. They’ll also have the benefit of not having to deal with Jaren Jackson Jr., who averaged 20.5 points on a 59.2 true shooting percentage in two meetings against Portland this year.
In short, the stars have aligned for the Blazers over the last few weeks. Wise they would be to avoid the suspense of a Game 2, and ensure themselves some added rest before their potential First Round series against the Lakers, which would begin Aug. 18.
Here are a few details of the game to take note of:
How to follow the action:
— Date: Saturday, August 15th
— Time: 11:30 am PT
— How to watch: ABC, NBC Sports Northwest, or fuboTV
— How to listen: NBA League Pass, Rip City Radio 620 AM
Injury report, per CBS Sports:
— (POR) — Nassir Little, dehydration (expected out until at least Aug. 14)
— (MEM) — Jaren Jackson Jr., knee (out for season)
— (MEM) — Tyus Jones, knee (game-time decision)
— (MEM) — Justise Winslow, hip (out for season)
Portland Trail Blazers, projected starting lineup:
—Damian Lillard (G), CJ McCollum (G), Carmelo Anthony (F), Zach Collins (F), Jusuf Nurkic (C)
Memphis Grizzlies, projected starting lineup:
— Ja Morant (G), Dillon Brooks (G), Kyle Anderson (F), Anthony Tolliver (F), Jonas Valanciunas