Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET
Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Broadcast: KUNP (local Blazers); Bally Sports Southeast / Grind City TV (local Grizzlies); NBA League Pass
Radio: Rip City Radio 620 AM (POR) / 92.9 FM ESPN Radio (MEM)
Game Context
- Trail Blazers: 10th in Western Conference (4th in Northwest), 13-18 on the road. Portland is clinging to the final play-in spot but has dropped 3 of its last 4 games, including a blowout loss in Atlanta on March 1. Offense ranks middle-of-the-pack; defense has been inconsistent without key perimeter pieces.
- Grizzlies: 11th in Western Conference (3rd in Southwest), 11-17 at home. Memphis is firmly in lottery territory and has been without its franchise cornerstone for stretches. They rely on grit and home energy but rank near the bottom in efficiency metrics.
This is the fourth meeting of the 2025-26 season (POR leads the season series 2-1).
Injury Report
Portland Trail Blazers
- Deni Avdija (F): Out / GTD – Back (re-evaluation today; possible return)
- Kris Murray (F): Day-to-Day – Illness
- Shaedon Sharpe (G): Out – Calf (targeted return early April)
- Damian Lillard (G): Out – Achilles (long-term; return targeted 2026-27 season)
- Rest of core (Jerami Grant, Donovan Clingan, etc.) available
Memphis Grizzlies
- Ja Morant (G): Out – Elbow (UCL sprain; targeted return March 7)
- Zach Edey (C): Out – Ankle (post-surgery; out for season)
- Santi Aldama (F): Out / GTD – Knee (targeted return today)
- Brandon Clarke (F): Out – Calf (targeted return March 18)
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G): Out – Finger (post-surgery; out for season)
- Taj Gibson (F): Out – Reconditioning
Critical note: Memphis is severely shorthanded without Morant (their primary playmaker/scorer) and Edey (rim protector/rebounder). Portland gets a potential boost if Avdija returns.
Recent Form (Last 5 Games)
Trail Blazers: 2-3
- 3/1 @ ATL: L 101-135
- 2/28 @ CHA: L 93-109
- 2/26 @ CHI: W 121-112
- 2/24 vs MIN: L 121-124
- 2/22 vs SAC: W 118-110 (example of recent home success)
Grizzlies: 2-3
- 3/1 @ IND: W 125-106
- 2/28 vs MIN: L (close contest)
- Recent home split and road struggles; offense drops sharply without Morant.
Portland has shown flashes but is on a road skid; Memphis has been competitive at home but vulnerable in high-usage games.
Key Player Matchups
- Jerami Grant / Anfernee Simons (POR) vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. / Jaylen Wells (MEM): Grant’s veteran scoring and Jackson’s defensive versatility headline the forward battle. JJJ must shoulder extra offensive load without Morant.
- Donovan Clingan (POR) vs. Memphis frontcourt (Aldama fill-ins / Gibson if active): Clingan’s rebounding and rim protection give Portland a clear edge inside against a depleted Grizzlies big-man group.
- Scoot Henderson / backcourt (POR) vs. Grizzlies guards (Wells, Spencer, etc.): Henderson’s speed and creation will exploit Memphis’ thinned perimeter defense.
- Bench edge: Portland’s depth holds up better; Memphis relies on unproven rookies and G-League call-ups.
Series History
- All-time regular season: Trail Blazers lead 62-49.
- 2025-26 season series: POR leads 2-1 (most recent: POR 122-115 and 135-115 wins in February; MEM won earlier 119-96 in December).
- Last 10 meetings: POR 6-4.
- At FedExForum: Split in recent years, but POR has won 2 of the last 3 visits.
Portland has dominated the most recent matchups, especially when controlling tempo.
Betting Trends
- Blazers: 4-1 ATS in last 5 as road favorites of 4+ points; covered in 3 of last 4 vs. Southwest teams.
- Grizzlies: 2-3 ATS last 5; 1-4 ATS without Morant this season; Under in 4 of last 6 home games.
- Head-to-head: Overs hit in 3 of last 4; POR 7-3 ATS in last 10 meetings overall.
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers – 8.5
Memphis Grizzlies 237.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026
