The last time the Portland Trail Blazers hosted the Memphis Grizzlies, the result was an embarrassing 134-89 loss on Nov. 10 at the Moda Center.
The last time the Blazers played the Grizzlies, they lost 123-98 at Memphis on Nov. 25.
That’s two losses by a combined score of 257-187. The Blazers shot 12 of 88 from three-point range (13.6%) in those two games.
Memphis returns to Portland Wednesday after starting a five-game trip with a 132-122 win Monday at Sacramento.
The Grizzlies have plenty of motivation to play well. They enter Wednesday tied with the Los Angeles Lakers (42-25) for fourth in the Western Conference. The top four teams receive homecourt advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The Lakers and Grizzlies sit one game out of second place, shared by Denver (44-25) and Houston (44-25).
Memphis has a tough schedule ahead, so leaving Portland with a victory would be optimal.
Portland’s motivation is clear. The Blazers enter the day three games behind 10th-place Dallas (33-36) and two games back of 11th-place Phoenix (32-37).
Dallas plays Wednesday at Indiana (38-29) and the Suns host Chicago (29-39).
Key matchup: The competition between rookie centers should be interesting. The Blazers chose the 7-foot-2 Donovan Clingan No. 7 overall. He is starting in place of Deandre Ayton (left calf), averaging 7.4 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 54.5%.
Memphis chose 7-4 Zach Edey with pick No. 9. The Grizzlies starter is averaging 9.2 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 57.5% from the field.
Prediction: Ja Morant’s absence somewhat alters the matchup. However, Memphis guard Desmond Bane and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the two best players on the court, giving the Grizzlies a clear advantage.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
What: Trail Blazers (30-39) vs. Grizzlies (43-26), 7 p.m., Wednesday.
Where: Moda Center.
Series: Memphis leads 2-0. The Grizzlies won 134-89 at Portland on Nov. 10 and won 123-98 at home on Nov. 25.
Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).
TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).
How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.
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ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)
Moneyline: POR +210 | MEM -258
Spread: POR +6.5 | Over/Under: 238.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Toumani Camara (right calf soreness) is questionable. Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is doubtful. Robert Williams III (left knee sprain), Jabari Walker (concussion protocol) and Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) are out.
Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr. (left wrist soreness) and Santi Aldama (right calf strain) are questionable. Ja Morant (left hamstring soreness), Lamar Stevens (right shoulder soreness) and Zyon Pullin (right patellar tendon surgery recovery) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers host the Denver Nuggets (44-25) at 7 p.m. Friday.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)