We're hardly sure about the Blazers as a dubious 9.5-point favorite tonight considering their six straight losses and still-iffy status of top scorer Deni Avdija, and noting the recent slump began about the time Avdija began having his recent back troubles, and missed action. To not back Portland tonight means supporting the Grizzlies, but that hasn't been a hard sell the past week as Memphis has won its last two and seems no worse for wear after the trade deadline despite sending out Jaren Jackson Jr. Ty Jerome led the way with 28 points in Wednesday's win at Sacto. Ja Morant's ongoing absence for the Grizzlies might not be a negative at all, as his distractions are temporarily removed from the nightly equation. Play Grizzlies

The Portland Trailblazers come into tonight on a six game losing streak. With Deni Avdija in and out of the lineup it’s caused a dip in the Trailblazers play. There’s a chance he will return tonight, and even if he doesn’t look for Portland to capitalize against one of the more undermanned teams in the NBA right now in Memphis. Lay it with Portland.