The Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers meet Thursday night in a matchup between two of the NBA's last three unbeaten teams. Portland is a 7.5-point home favorite with an over/under of 232.5 points.
The game marks Ja Morant's first appearance against his former team after the Grizzlies traded him to Portland in June for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Morant, 27, is averaging 16.3 points on 58.8% shooting and 6.3 assists this season.
Portland, now 3-0, leads the NBA in scoring at 129.3 points per game and features a backcourt of Morant and Damian Lillard, who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Forward Deni Avdija adds 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
Memphis, surprisingly 4-0 amid a rebuild, has been carried by guard Ty Jerome, who is averaging 29.8 points per game and leads the NBA in second-half (19.0) and fourth-quarter (10.0) scoring. Jerome is the early favorite for Most Improved Player.
The Blazers have won three of the last four meetings and the past three at home. Memphis is on the final leg of a four-game road trip and has not swept a trip of at least four games since November 2013. A projection model favors Portland 117-111.
