Memphis Grizzlies takes on Portland Trail Blazers in the first play-in postseason game of American Basketball Season 2019-20 on Saturday afternoon.
Team Preview
Memphis are going into the bubble with a 3.5-game lead for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Grizzlies are fresh off of a victory over Milwaukee Bucks in the previous game. After the end of the half-game, Memphis had a 10-point advantage and they carried the advantage in the 3rd quarter with taking it 33-24 before losing the final quarter with 6-points. After going 2-6 in the bubble, if they escape Trail Blazers in the next two games, they can get the spot in the final playoff in Western Conference. Jonas Valanciunas led Grizzlies with his first triple-double, scoring 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 12 assists. Ja Morant also notched up triple-double with scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds, and dishing out 12 assists. Dillon Brooks also contributed 31 points in the win.
Meanwhile, The Trail Blazers are going 6-2 in the bubble to earn the eighth spot in the Western Conference and coming off three straight victories. Portland clinched the 8th spot after a thrilling win in the previous game against Brooklyn Nets. After the tied first quarter, Portland went ahead in the game with 6 point advantage in the 2nd quarter. Brooklyn made a comeback and clinched the 3rd quarter 37-24 to put pressure on Trail Blazers. In the final quarter, Portland was quick and they pulled off a comeback to get a 133-134 win. Damian Lillard led Blazers with 42 points and 12 assists in the win. Jusuf Nurkic contributed the double-double (22 points & 10 rebounds) while McCollum added 25 points. The Trail Blazers shot 48.1 percent from the field. To face Lakers in the next round, Portland needs to win at least one game from the two matches against Memphis Grizzlies.
Possible Starting Lineups
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard (PG), C.J. McCollum (SG), Carmelo Anthony (PF), Zach Collins (PF), Jusuf Nurkic (C)
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant (PG), Dillon Brooks (SG), Kyle Anderson (SF), Anthony Tolliver (PF), Jonas Valanciunas (C)
Key Players
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard (PG): 30 points, 8 assists
C.J. McCollum (SG): 22.2 points, 4.2 rebounds
Jusuf Nurkic (C): 17.6 points, 10.3 rebounds
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant (PG): 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds
Dillon Brooks (SG): 16.2 points, 4. 6 rebounds
Jonas Valanciunas (C): 14.9 points, 11.3 rebounds
