NBA action will see the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Portland Trial Blazers today in a play-in game. Here we look at the preview and TV schedule for the game.
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The first ever play-in game will see the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Portland Trail Blazers in what will be a do-or-die game for the likes of rookie Ja Morant and co. With Damian Lillard in peak form and the Grizzlies looking to make a statement, the game will be fascinating to watch.
The Portland Trail Blazers sealed the eighth spot in the western conference table after a close win against Nets. The Grizzlies on the other hand have struggled in the bubble and eked out a win against a Giannis-less Bucks. The Grizzlies were comfortably ahead of Blazers when the league phase resumed in the bubble.
Also Read: Damian Lillard reveals why he took the Logo Lillard shot in post-game interview
The likes of Lillard and co. bounced back after their close loss against the Clippers to win all their remaining games in the bubble.
The Grizzlies might find it difficult it difficult to control the juggernaut of Damian Lillard who seems to have harnessed the ‘Mamba Mentality’ of a certain Kobe Bryant as the Blazers star has looked near unstoppable in the bubble after missing crucial free-throws in their loss against the Clippers.
Where to watch Grizzlies vs Blazers on TV and Online?
NBA TV will be streaming the game and it can be accessed on both the NBA website and the mobile app. However, you’ll need to buy the NBA League pass in order to do that.
You can then watch the game through NBA TV on your desktop, mobile, tablet or consoles.
The game is slated for a 2:30 PM Et tip-off and will be broadcasted on on ABC, fuboTV, Hulu+, 620 AM(radio coverage), SN1 and TSN
Team Preview – Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies will be rearing to go after getting back on the winning side after they almost lost their way out of the bubble after dismal shooting performances in the earlier games.
The Grizzlies will miss Jackson Jr.’s ability to stretch the floor during crucial plays. The Grizzlies have been shooting at just a 30.1% from beyond the arc in the bubble games so far.
The side will expect Ja Morant to shoot better in the absence of Jackson Jr. after he had shooting stats of 5-17 from the field and ended up with just 12 points. T
he Grizzlies will go into the play-in game as the underdogs as the Blazers have been spitting fire in the bubble so far. But the crucial factor in their favor might be fatigue on part of the star Blazers trio
The Grizzlies lost out marginally to the Blazers after Melo showed his vintage form to eke out a close overtime win. The Grizzlies defense will have a tough time keeping the dynamic back-court of Lillard and CJ quiet.
Expected starting line-up: Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson, Anthony Tolliver, Jonas Valanciunas
Team Preview – Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are the hot favorites to enter the playoffs and several critics have backed them to thump the struggling Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. With the back-court of Lillard and Mccollum firing on all cylinders, the Blazers have looked nigh unstoppable in their recent games.
With a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony supporting the duo and knocking down shots at a decent efficiency, the offense looks well-oiled. The likes of Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic have provided the impetus on the defensive end with Gary Trent Jr. having a great time shooting from beyond the arc.
Expect fatigue to slow down the Blazers but ruling out a Blazers victory at this point might be foolish.
Expected starting line-up: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Carmelo Anthony, Zach Collins, Jusuf Nurkic
