Memphis visits Portland on Thursday in a meeting between two unbeaten teams. Tipoff at Moda Center is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET. Portland’s fast start has come with impressive scoring, while Memphis has relied on a defense that has already traveled well. The Trail Blazers are favored by 8.5 points, with the total at 233.5. I’m taking Memphis with the points as the day’s best bet while projecting Portland to win narrowly.
Find the rest of our daily selections on the NBA picks and predictions page.
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers Game Information
| Game Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers |
| Date | Thursday, October 29, 2026 |
| Tipoff | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| Arena | Moda Center |
| Location | Portland, Oregon |
| Spread used | Memphis +8.5 |
| Total used | 233.5 |
| Current records | Memphis 4-0; Portland 3-0 |
| Slate best bet | Memphis +8.5 |
Memphis Has a Defensive Foundation That Travels
Memphis improved to 4-0 with Monday’s 110-105 victory at Utah. The Grizzlies are already 3-0 on the road, having also won at Golden State and Sacramento. Thursday brings another difficult assignment, but the schedule is favorable compared with a quick turnaround. Memphis has had two days off to prepare for Portland’s offense.
The Grizzlies have averaged 116.8 points while allowing 107.0. Four games do not establish a lasting defensive identity, but Memphis has consistently kept opponents from matching its offensive output. The important task Thursday is making Portland play against an organized defense. Avoiding live-ball turnovers, getting back after misses and completing defensive possessions would reduce the number of easy opportunities available to the home team.
Ty Jerome has averaged 29.8 points and 6.2 assists through four games, but Memphis showed Monday that it can win without a major scoring performance from him. Jerome finished with 15 points and eight assists, while Cedric Coward contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds. That broader contribution matters against a Portland team capable of forcing opponents to score in several ways. Final availability should still be checked before relying on the expected rotation.
Portland’s Multiple Creators Make the Home Team Dangerous
Portland is 3-0 after Tuesday’s 136-129 victory over the Lakers. The Trail Blazers have also beaten Phoenix and Sacramento, with their lone home game producing a decisive win over the Suns. Thursday is a chance to extend that start against an opponent whose defense has been more reliable than those recent results might suggest.
The Blazers have averaged 129.3 points and allowed 110.7. Their 41-point opening win over Phoenix has a large influence on the defensive average, while the latest game demonstrated how dangerous their offense can be when an opponent keeps scoring. Memphis offers a different challenge. Portland may have to generate productive possessions after its initial action is defended rather than rely on a steady supply of transition opportunities.
Deni Avdija supplied 23 points and nine assists against the Lakers. Ja Morant also scored 23, and Damian Lillard added 21. That combination gives Portland several players who can attack a defense and create a shot late in a possession. Shaedon Sharpe remains out following a meniscus injury. Even without him, the Blazers have enough offensive options to make Memphis defend through multiple actions.
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers Statistical Comparison
Figures reflect completed 2026-27 regular-season games through October 28. Averages are rounded.
| Category | Memphis Grizzlies | Portland Trail Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-0 | 3-0 |
| Relevant location record | 3-0 away | 1-0 home |
| Points per game | 116.8 | 129.3 |
| Points allowed per game | 107.0 | 110.7 |
| Average scoring margin | +9.8 | +18.7 |
| Most recent result | Won 110-105 at Utah | Won 136-129 at the Lakers |
| Days off before this game | Two | One |
Where This Game Gets Decided
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Portland’s transition offense vs Memphis’ floor balance | The Grizzlies need to prevent the game from becoming a sequence of open-floor attacks. |
| Jerome’s creation vs Portland’s defensive pressure | Memphis needs productive possessions without exposing itself to live-ball turnovers. |
| Avdija’s passing vs Memphis’ help decisions | Overcommitting to Portland’s ball handlers could create clean opportunities elsewhere. |
| Defensive rebounding | Memphis cannot afford to defend well initially and then surrender repeated extra chances. |
Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trail Blazers Picks and Predictions
Spread Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +8.5
Memphis +8.5 is my best bet on the slate. Portland deserves to be favored at home, but the Grizzlies’ defensive results and successful road start make this a substantial number. Memphis does not need to match Portland’s usual scoring pace if it can reduce easy baskets and make the Blazers work later into possessions. The extra preparation time supports that approach. The main objection is Portland’s variety of creators: even good initial defense may not be enough when Morant, Lillard and Avdija can attack successive openings. I still expect Memphis to keep the game competitive. My projection is Portland 116, Memphis 112, leaving room inside the spread. The recommendation is specifically +8.5, with the available betting price also affecting its value.
Total Pick: Under 233.5
I’m taking Under 233.5, although the spread is the stronger preference. Memphis has allowed 107.0 points per game, and its latest win showed it can succeed in a game with fewer scoring opportunities. I expect the Grizzlies to prioritize getting organized defensively rather than trying to outrun Portland. My projection totals 228 points. The risk is Portland dictating the pace anyway, especially if Memphis gives away possessions or misses opportunities to retreat after shots. The Blazers’ 136-point performance Tuesday is a clear warning about their ceiling. I still prefer the under because Memphis presents a more demanding defensive assignment and enters with time to prepare.
Final Prediction
| Selection | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline winner | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Against the spread | Memphis Grizzlies +8.5 |
| Total | Under 233.5 |
| Projected score | Portland 116, Memphis 112 |
| Preferred selection | Memphis +8.5 |
| Slate best bet | Memphis +8.5 |
Final Picks: Portland moneyline, Memphis Grizzlies +8.5 and Under 233.5.
Prepared October 29, 2026, using completed results through October 28. Picks use the listed lines. Odds, injury designations and starting lineups may change. Early-season statistics reflect small samples. A smaller spread or substantially higher betting price would reduce the appeal of Memphis. Moneyline value depends on the available price.