Blazers vs. Grizzlies: Portland Looks to Snap Skid Against Rebuilding Memphis
The Portland Trail Blazers didn’t make any big splashes at the trade deadline, and that’s by design. Instead of shaking things up midseason, the front office opted to ride with the current group - betting on internal chemistry and continuity to carry them through the back half of the season. And tonight, that bet gets tested against a Memphis Grizzlies team that looks very different than it did just a week ago.
Memphis Grizzlies: Rebuild Mode Activated
Memphis didn’t just tinker at the deadline - they hit the reset button. The headline move?
Shipping out former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Grizzlies brought in rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr., second-year wing Taylor Hendricks, and veterans Kyle Anderson and Georges Niang (who was quickly waived), plus three first-round picks.
The move signals a clear pivot toward the future.
They also acquired Eric Gordon and a second-rounder in a separate deal - though Gordon was waived shortly after. The message is clear: Memphis is leaning hard into a youth movement.
And with that comes growing pains. Their current depth chart is a patchwork of young talent, role players, and injury fill-ins.
Ja Morant remains sidelined with a UCL sprain in his left elbow, and his season has been rocky even when healthy. He was averaging just 19.5 points on 41% shooting from the field and a rough 23.5% from deep before going down.
Add in the off-court distractions, and it’s been a tough stretch for the Grizzlies’ franchise centerpiece.
Second-year big man Zach Edey had a strong start to the season, putting up a double-double through his first 11 games. But a stress reaction in his left ankle required surgery, and he’s now out indefinitely. That leaves Memphis leaning on a group of young players to carry the load.
Cedric Coward - briefly a Blazer before being moved - has shown flashes as a floor spacer, averaging 13.6 points on 46% shooting. And Jaylen Wells, a Second Team All-Rookie selection, continues to be a steady contributor.
But overall, this is a team still figuring out who they are. With so many moving parts and a roster in flux, Memphis is very much in the “let’s see what sticks” phase.
Trail Blazers: Searching for Stability
Portland, meanwhile, is in the middle of a six-game losing streak and trying to find their footing again after briefly climbing back to .500. The lone deadline move? Trading Duop Reath and two second-round picks to Atlanta for guard Vit Krejci - a low-risk addition who brings some outside shooting to a team that desperately needs it.
For fans hoping for a blockbuster, it might’ve felt underwhelming. But there’s logic behind the patience.
Under GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers have typically made their major moves in the offseason. Deni Avdija was a draft-night pickup.
Jrue Holiday came in a summer deal. This front office prefers to evaluate over a full season before reshaping the roster in a big way.
And with the team still trying to establish an identity, there’s value in letting things play out.
That said, the rotation is getting crowded. Scoot Henderson is set to return tonight (likely on a minutes restriction), which is great news for a team that’s been struggling to generate consistent offense.
But his return also complicates things further for the backcourt, especially with Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko still on the roster and no clear path to minutes. The Blazers haven’t made any buyout or waiver moves yet, which means the logjam remains - at least for now.
What Needs to Change
Portland’s biggest issue lately? Turnovers.
They’re leading the league with 17 per game, and that’s been a killer during this losing streak. The hope is that with Scoot back in the mix, the offense can settle down and get back to the kind of ball movement and pace that helped them claw back to .500 not long ago.
There’s also an emotional element here. The Blazers need a confidence boost, and a matchup against a shorthanded, rebuilding Grizzlies squad might be just what the doctor ordered.
Memphis is still figuring out who they are. Portland, at the very least, knows what they’re trying to be - they just need to get back to playing like it.
What to Watch Tonight
All Eyes on Scoot: Scoot Henderson’s return is the headline tonight. Even in limited minutes, his presence should help stabilize the offense. He’s still prone to turnovers himself, but his ability to create off the dribble and push the tempo is something this team has sorely missed.
Grizzlies’ Growing Pains: With so many new faces and injuries to key players, Memphis is in a transitional phase. Expect a lot of experimentation on their end - different lineups, different roles, and plenty of learning on the fly. That could open the door for Portland to take control early.
Rotation Watch: With a crowded backcourt and no roster spots cleared yet, how the Blazers manage minutes - especially between Scoot, Malcolm Brogdon, Anfernee Simons, and others - will be something to monitor closely. Someone’s going to be the odd man out, at least temporarily.
Injury Report
Trail Blazers:
- Out: Damian Lillard, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle
- Questionable: Deni Avdija
- Probable: Scoot Henderson
Grizzlies:
- Out: Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome
How to Watch
- TV (Cable/Antenna): Rip City Television Network
- Streaming: BlazerVision in Oregon and Washington; NBA League Pass or NBA TV elsewhere
Tonight’s game isn’t just about ending a losing streak. It’s a chance for the Blazers to reset, re-center, and take a step forward against a Memphis team that’s clearly looking ahead to the future. For Portland, the future is still in progress - but the present matters too.