Memphis is 4-0, back up to second in the Western Conference, and plays at 3-0 Portland tonight, Ja Morant's first game against the club that traded him. After that the Grizzlies come home for the Kings on Oct. 31, the Pelicans on Nov. 2 and the Pacers on Nov. 4.
Is Morant going to treat this like a grudge match?
Not by his own account. The Athletic reported that Morant downplayed the game and called himself not a big grudge guy. Memphis sent him to Portland this offseason in the deal that brought back Jerami Grant, along with Kris Murray. In three games with the Blazers, Morant is averaging 16.3 points with 6.3 assists in 26.7 minutes. Whatever he says, the building will know who he is.
Who does Memphis actually have to stop?
Deni Avdija first. He is putting up 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists a night, and Damian Lillard adds 21.7 points. Portland's offense is rated 126.8, so the Blazers are scoring at will right now. Micah Nori will be short two players. Youngblood is out with a left ankle injury. Sharpe sits with a right knee. Memphis gets two days of rest. Portland gets one.
Is this Memphis defense real?
Here's the number to watch: 105.9. That's the Grizzlies' defensive rating over four games. Last season's 25-57 team had the 27th-ranked defense in the league. That jump is the difference between a nice story and an actual identity. A bunch that grinds out 111-108 at Golden State and 110-105 in Utah is defending the way this city expects. Portland's offense will test whether the defense is for real.
Should anyone worry about keeping Ty Jerome?
Not today. Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian wrote that there are plenty of questions about Jerome's future here, but that none of them are pressing. Jerome is averaging 29.8 points and shooting 37.0 percent from three on a $9.2 million deal, and that is the whole reason people are asking. For now he's the engine, and the payroll sits at $161.1 million, under the cap.
When do the Grizzlies play the Trail Blazers?
Tonight, Oct. 29, in Portland. Memphis comes in 4-0 and Portland is 3-0.
Are any Grizzlies injured right now?
No Grizzlies are listed as injured. Isaiah Stewart and Zach Edey have both been cleared after ankle issues last week.
