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Free Pick: Memphis vs. Portland NBA Lines & Handicapping Preview

NBA Betting? Grizzlies vs Blazers Predictions

Early season NBA betting action sees the Portland Trail Blazers taking on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Nov. 28 at the Moda Center. Cappers Picks provides free NBA handicapping tips all season long.

NBA Picks

Memphis (13-2) vs. Portland (12-3) 
Friday, Nov. 28
10:00 p.m. ET
Moda Center
TV: Local
NBA Betting Lines: Portland -3.5
NBA Betting Total:  192.5
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Memphis

The Memphis Grizzlies are off to as strong a start as anyone in the NBA.

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They’ve won three straight entering this contest, but more importantly is the fact that they’ve gone 13-2 — the best record in the Association (tied with the Toronto Raptors).

Per usual, the Grizzlies are winning game with their defense. This team is third in the NBA in points allowed per game, which is going to be important going up against such a high-powered offense.

The team is also fourth in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN.com.

Looking at matchups, the battles on the block will be important in this one. Mike Conley vs. Damian Lillard might end up being the most entertaining, but the big man combos of Robin Lopez and LaMarcus vs. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph could be what decides this one.

Portland

Like the Grizzlies, we’ve seen the Portland Trail Blazers do a lot of the same things they’ve done in the past. Their offense is efficient once again, and they’re scoring 104.4 points per game — the sixth-best mark in the NBA.

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Unlike Memphis, we’ve actually seen this team improve drastically on the other side of the floor.

In 2013-14, the Blazers were known as a subpar defensive unit at best. Now, they’re giving up just 95.4 points per game to opponents, which is good enough for sixth in the league.

They’re also efficient on that side of the floor as well, boasting the fifth-best defensive efficiency leaguewide, per ESPN.com.

Portland’s defense will be big in this one. The Grizzlies will look to shut down the Blazers’ offense, and if they’re able to do so, it’s going to be crucial that the Blazers keep Memphis  under 100 points.

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NBA Handicapping Trends:

  • Under is 8-2 in POR last 10 home games.
  • POR are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 vs. NBA Southwest.
  • Under is 7-3 in POR last 10 vs. Western Conference.
  • Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
  • Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

4* NBA Prediction: Memphis +3.5

A low-scoring game always favors the Memphis Grizzlies, and that’s what we should see in this one. Portland’s offensive attack should be held to a lower level of efficiency than we’re used to seeing.

As mentioned above, Portland’s defense should also be spot on, which will help its case. The problem is, the Grizzlies are used to playing that style of basketball, while the Blazers still like to get out and run.

If the Blazers can control the pace from the get-go, this could go differently. However, pushing the pace is only effective if you’re efficient while doing it, and in this case, Memphis should be able to force enough mistakes to give it the edge it needs.

Check out our Updated NBA Betting Odds.

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