Memphis arrives in town with one of the hottest players in the NBA – Marc Gasol – who is averaging 30.8 points on 53.7% shooting from the field over the last five games. Gasol scored a career-best 42 points (14-of-25) in the Grizzlies’ impressive 101-99 win over Toronto on Wednesday.
Memphis point guard Michael Conley enjoyed watching his teammate’s offensive explosion against the Raptors. “It’s so much fun to watch and to be a part of when he’s playing like that,” Conley said. Tonight was something special. It got to the point where everybody was just trying to get him the ball, no matter where we were on the court.”
Portland is coming off a 105-98 win over the Lakers on Wednesday, but the Trail Blazers find themselves in a classic look-ahead spot as they host the Warriors on Sunday. Let’s also note that Portland is a money-burning 7-21 ATS in its last 28 games following a win, 0-5 ATS in its last five games versus Southwest Division foes and 1-4 ATS in its last five games overall.
In contrast, the Grizzlies are a profitable 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games versus Western Conference opponents and 7-1 ATS in their last eight games with one day of rest. Memphis is also 7-3 SU and ATS in its last ten trips to Portland, while the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in this series.
Portland will also be shorthanded as forward Ed Davis has been downgraded to ‘doubtful’ for tonight’s game, while forward Maurice Harkless is questionable with a left calf injury. Harkless is averaging 11.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in 44 games this season.
Finally, Portland possesses a subpar defense that is allowing 110.2 points per game to NBA teams that would combine to average 105.7 points per game against an average offense. Head coach Terry Stotts recently praised his team’s defensive efforts after yielding 106 points per game in January as compared to 112 points per game through the end of 2016.
Regardless, Memphis should have plenty of success scoring points tonight. Indeed, the Grizzlies are averaging 102.3 points per game on the road this season. Take Memphis as Oskeim Sports’ Free NBA Sports Pick for Friday, January 27.
Oskeim Sports’ Free NBA Sports Pick: Memphis Grizzlies (+1) (-110)