SharpBetz
NBA

Portland Trail Blazers vs Memphis Grizzlies

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Matchup Analysis

This NBA matchup features Portland Trail Blazers (29-33 (16-15)) traveling to take on Memphis Grizzlies (23-37 (11-17)) at FedExForum, Memphis, TN. These two teams are closely matched, with both squads posting similar scoring differentials this season. This projects as a competitive contest that could go either way. Grizzlies averages 115.7 points per game, but they face a Trail Blazers defense that holds opponents to 118.4 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. Meanwhile, Trail Blazers scores 115.2 PPG but faces a Grizzlies defense that limits opponents to 117.7 PPG. The home team's defensive effort could be the difference-maker. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.0 points in NBA, and Grizzlies will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model sees this as essentially a coin-flip game, projecting just a 2.6-point margin. Expect a tight finish. The 68% confidence interval ranges from Grizzlies winning by 18 to losing by 13. The market has this game at +7.5, but our model sees value on Grizzlies with a 10.1-point edge. Our line: Grizzlies -2.6. Combined with the total projection of 231 versus the market line of 237.5, there are opportunities to find value on both sides of this matchup.

Team Comparison

POR Trail Blazers
Stat
MEM Grizzlies
29-33 (16-15)
Record
23-37 (11-17)
Last 10
115.2
PPG
115.7
118.4
Opp PPG
117.7

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
POR Portland Trail Blazers
-270 -7.5 O 237.5
MEM Memphis Grizzlies
+220 +7.5 U 237.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Mar 4, 5:44 AM
Opening line: +7.5 / O/U 237.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
POR Portland Trail Blazers
-104 +2.6 O 231
MEM Memphis Grizzlies
+104 -2.6 U 231
Source: Model Updated: Mar 4, 5:44 AM

Injury-adjusted spread: -2.6

Injury-adjusted total: 231

Our Picks

Spread
Grizzlies (opened at +7.5)
59% Confidence

Play to -3.5

Total
Under (opened at 237.5)
63% Confidence

Play to 231.9

Injury Calculator

Updated Mar 4, 5:44 AM

Toggle player statuses to see how injuries affect the projected spread and total.

GrizzliesHome - 5 players
Zach EdeyCLeft Ankle SurgeryNo impact data
Santi AldamaFRight Knee Not SpecifiedNo impact data
Taj GibsonFNot Injury Related Not SpecifiedNo impact data
Brandon ClarkeFRight Calf StrainNo impact data
Kentavious Caldwell-PopeGRight Finger SurgeryNo impact data
Trail BlazersAway - 4 players
Deni AvdijaFBack Not SpecifiedNo impact data
Kris MurrayFIllness Not SpecifiedNo impact data
Shaedon SharpeGLeft Lower Leg FractureNo impact data
Damian LillardGLeft Achilles SurgeryNo impact data

Adjusted Projection

Spread
Base model-2.6
Injury adj.0
Adjusted-2.6
Play to-3.5
Total
Base model231
Injury adj.0
Adjusted231

Recent Trends

Grizzlies has struggled this season at 23-37 (11-17). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset. It's been a difficult season for Trail Blazers at 29-33 (16-15). Traveling to face Grizzlies presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.

Matchup Edges

Grizzlies

Advantages

  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Strong offense averaging 115.7 PPG
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Sub-.500 record at 23-37 (11-17) raises concerns
  • Defense allows 117.7 PPG — a vulnerability

Trail Blazers

Advantages

  • Potent offense averaging 115.2 PPG
  • Nothing to lose as the visiting team
  • Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure

Disadvantages

  • Playing on the road without home crowd support
  • Struggling with a 29-33 (16-15) record this season

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