October 28, 2026 at 5:56 AM UTC

Pregame Analysis

Unbeaten Grizzlies Face a Blazers Offense Built on Lillard and Threes

By How we produce articles

Portland's high-volume offense and Damian Lillard's leadership give the Blazers a narrow edge over unbeaten Memphis.

Something has to give in Portland, where two unbeaten teams meet. Memphis arrives 4-0 and has won all three of its road games. The Trail Blazers are 2-0, including one win at home. The Grizzlies' road record deserves respect, but Portland has the clearer identity right now, and it starts with Damian Lillard.

Lillard returned on a three-year, $42 million deal and has framed himself as a veteran foundation for a young roster. He is averaging 22 points through two games. Deni Avdija matches that scoring average and leads the team in rebounding, with 6.5 defensive and 2.0 offensive boards per game. That gives Portland two dependable scorers, and Avdija's work on the glass should help against a Memphis team that has been winning away from home.

The Blazers' style is the larger problem for the Grizzlies. Portland averages 126.0 points, second in the NBA, and leads the league with 47.5 three-point attempts per game. Its two wins show the range of that offense: a 124-83 rout of Phoenix and a 128-120 win at Sacramento. Memphis scores less on average, so the question is whether it can keep pace if Portland's volume of threes keeps stretching the floor.

The Blazers' guard depth is the one concern. Shaedon Sharpe is out with a knee/meniscus injury. Chris Youngblood is out with an ankle injury, though his estimated return date of Oct. 29 means his status may have changed by game day. If he is still out, even more ball-handling and scoring falls on Lillard. I still expect Portland's shot volume and home-court rhythm to be enough in a tight game, with Memphis staying within reach late.

Prediction: Trail Blazers 121, Grizzlies 116.

All game reports