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Can the Memphis Grizzlies keep the 8th seed in the Western Conference?

By Lachlan Everett

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during a Sacramento Kings free throw in the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during a Sacramento Kings free throw in the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers: July 31st (4 PM ET)

Memphis should be worried about this first game, they eeked out a close game at home against an extremely inefficient night for the Portland Trail Blazers (111-104.) CJ McCollum was the leading scorer with 23 points but only made 9 shots out of 25, similarly, Carmelo Anthony had five points on 1-of-15 attempts. Damian Lillard was great with 20 points and 10 assists with a few going to Anfernee Simmons who shot 6-of-7 from 3-point range with a total of 22 points.

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Memphis struggled with defending the perimeter so they’ll need their A-game when they play the Blazers as Jaren Jackson Jr. will have his hands fill with Whiteside and Jusuf Nurkic.

Speaking of Jackson, he was a defensive stalwart finishing the game with five rebounds and three blocks, if they want to win the game Jackson will need to score more, likely from outside as he only had eight points. The stars on offense were Ja Morant who had 20 points and nine assists and Brandon Clarke with 27 points.

For Memphis to win their first game it will require a lot of perimeter defense, the bench scoring as well as Clarke did and getting Jackson involved, preferably from the arc or in pick and rolls by Morant.

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