Morant Returns to Memphis for Unbeaten Showdown
The Trail Blazers and Grizzlies, both undefeated, meet Thursday night as the guard faces his former team for the first time since the summer trade.
By Abena Mensah ·
Portland fans will see Ja Morant take the court against his former team Thursday night, marking his first appearance in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform since the summer trade. The matchup pits two undefeated teams against each other in a rare NBA clash. The Trail Blazers are favored by 7.5 points at home, while the total points line sits at 232.5.
The path to this game began in June when Memphis acquired forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray in exchange for Morant. The Grizzlies had previously traded star center Jaren Jackson to Utah. These moves set the stage for a season that has defied expectations for both franchises.
Memphis has started the season 4-0, a feat that has not happened for the Grizzlies since the 2014-15 campaign. The team is riding a wave of strong performance from guard Ty Jerome, who is averaging 29.8 points per game. Jerome leads the league in second-half scoring among eligible players. The Grizzlies have led at halftime in all four of their games this season.
Portland is also 3-0, their second perfect start in the last 15 seasons. The Blazers lead the NBA in scoring at 129.3 points per game. Their roster features a dynamic backcourt with Morant and Damian Lillard. Lillard is averaging 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per night. Forward Deni Avdija adds depth with a statistical line of 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
The Trail Blazers won three of four meetings against Memphis last season and have won the last three home games against the Grizzlies. Portland defeated the previously unbeaten Lakers 136-129 on Monday. The Grizzlies ended their four-game road trip with a 110-105 victory at Utah on Monday, where both Jaren Jackson and Lauri Markkanen exited the game in the first half.
Thursday's game is the final tip on the NBA schedule, set for 10 p.m. ET. Betting markets show Portland receiving 86% of the money. The model projects a final score of 117-111 in favor of the Blazers. This contest serves as a test for both teams, with Memphis looking to maintain its perfect record and Portland aiming to extend its undefeated start.
Owner Tom Condon made headlines earlier this year by hiring Micah Nori as head coach on a one-year guaranteed contract. Nori was previously an assistant with the Timberwolves. The coaching change followed the departure of Tiago Splitter, who left for the Chicago Bulls. The Blazers have a 2-0 record in clutch-time games this season, having gone 21-22 in such situations last year.
Source: CBS Sports
