The Portland Trail Blazers are set to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday in an intriguing NBA matchup at the Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM) and on multiple channels including KUNP and DirecTV.
Currently, the Blazers hold a record of 23-28, entering Friday’s game amid a challenging six-game losing streak, a situation that has pushed them below the .500 mark for the first time since December. Their most recent loss occurred against the Phoenix Suns, where they fell just short despite leading by 12 points, ultimately losing 130-125 on their home court.
In terms of player updates, the Blazers will likely be without All-Star Deni Avdija due to a lower back strain, which has kept him sidelined for seven of the last ten games. However, there is a silver lining as point guard Scoot Henderson, who has been out all season with a left hamstring tear, is expected to make his long-awaited season debut. Additionally, new acquisition Vít Krejčí, who played 14 minutes in his first game with the team, will look to improve after a tough outing against the Suns.
On the other side, the Grizzlies come into the game with a record of 20-29 and a recently snapped six-game losing streak. They achieved victories in their last two matches against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings, with standout performances from Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer playing a significant role in those wins. The Grizzlies have also made waves in the trade market, recently acquiring key players and future draft picks through a notable trade with the Utah Jazz.
The matchup marks the second encounter between these two teams this season, with the Grizzlies previously handing the Blazers one of their most significant defeats earlier in December, winning 119-96 in Memphis.
As for injuries, both teams have a list of players sidelined. Besides Avdija for Portland, other notable absences include Kris Murray, Damian Lillard, and Matisse Thybulle. For Memphis, several players are out, including Ja Morant and Eric Gordon.
After Friday’s game, the two teams will face each other again Saturday night at the Moda Center, promising another competitive showdown within a short time frame. This back-to-back series could be pivotal for both teams as they seek to change their trajectories in the season.