Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers 11/5/23 – The early NBA season offers a full slate of intriguing matchups, including a showdown that pits the winless Memphis Grizzlies against the .500 Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, November 5, 2023. While the Grizzlies search for their first victory, having stumbled out of the gate with a 0-6 record, the Trail Blazers sit at an even 3-3, looking to tip their balance into winning territory. This game not only presents an opportunity for each team to pivot their fortunes but also offers a chance for NBA free picks today to shine, especially with key players like Memphis’s Desmond Bane and Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe in the spotlight.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Date & Time: Sunday, November 5, at 9:00 PM ET
Location: Moda Center at the Rose Quarter
TV: ROOT Sports NW
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers 11/5/23 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Grizzlies | -137 | -2 (-110) | 218.5 over (-110) |
| Trail Blazers | +116 | +2 (-110) | 218.5 under (-110) |
Memphis Grizzlies Analysis
The Memphis Grizzlies are desperate to turn their season around after a string of six defeats. Offensively, they’ve been producing a respectable 107.7 points per game, yet this hasn’t translated into wins. With a 43.3% shooting performance from the field and a 31.7% completion rate from beyond the arc, the Grizzlies are searching for that spark to ignite their scoring consistency. Their offense, led by the dynamic Desmond Bane, is in dire need of cohesion and efficiency if they hope to outpace Portland’s defense.
Defensively, the Grizzlies are struggling to contain their opponents, evident in their winless record. They’ve been relatively solid in terms of steals and blocks per game, which suggests that the potential for a staunch defense is there, but it’s the crucial moments where they seem to falter. This inconsistency on the defensive end needs to be shored up to give them a fighting chance against a Trail Blazers team that can exploit any weakness.
Desmond Bane, as the Grizzlies’ key player, has been exceptional this season. He’s filling the stat sheet with averages of 26 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His contribution on both ends of the floor is crucial, and his ability to disrupt plays with 2.2 steals per game will be vital against Portland’s offense. For Memphis to register their first win, Bane will need not only to continue his scoring prowess but also inspire his teammates to elevate their game.
Portland Trail Blazers Analysis
The Portland Trail Blazers are perched at a crossroads with a .500 record, and this matchup against the Grizzlies offers a golden opportunity to pivot towards a positive trajectory. Offensively, they average slightly less at 105 points per game compared to the Grizzlies, with shooting efficiency hovering around a similar mark. What’s noticeable is their proficiency from the charity stripe, leading to an excellent free throw percentage of 81.3%.
Portland’s defense has not been impermeable, but it has shown moments of solidity, particularly in their ability to control the rebounding battle with an average of 45.7 rebounds per game. The Blazers will need to continue this trend and leverage their defensive rebounding to limit the Grizzlies’ second-chance points.
Shaedon Sharpe has stepped up as a key performer for the Trail Blazers. Logging an average of 20.5 points per game, his output on the offensive end has been impressive for a rookie. His athleticism and ability to contribute across the board, with 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, will be key in Portland’s quest to counter the Grizzlies’ desperate search for a win.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Against the Spread
Betting trends highlight the Grizzlies’ struggles against the spread (ATS), going 1-6 in their last seven games, and they have failed to cover in their last six matchups against Portland. They’ve also been poor performers on the road, going 0-7 ATS in their last seven away games. Conversely, the total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis’ last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland.
Portland has its woes, too, particularly with a 5-15 straight up (SU) record in their last 20 games. However, the total has gone OVER in 6 of their last 9 games, indicating a trend towards higher-scoring contests, which could be of interest to those watching the over/under.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Trail Blazers +116
The Blazers’ decent performance and home-court advantage should give them the edge against a Grizzlies team struggling to find their rhythm.
Spread: Trail Blazers +2 (-110)
Considering the Grizzlies’ ATS trends, especially on the road, taking Portland with the points seems like a wise choice.
Total: 218.5 under (-110)
Both teams have trended towards the UNDER in their recent matchups, and with both defenses looking to assert themselves, a lower-scoring affair could be on the cards.
Predicted Score: Portland Trail Blazers 108, Memphis Grizzlies 105
Final thoughts point towards the Portland Trail Blazers as a sensible choice at an online sportsbook in Canada, particularly when factoring in their solid record against the spread in recent home games, even amid their struggles. While Memphis showcases a talented squad led by Desmond Bane, the team’s lack of cohesion and inability to close out games make Portland’s slight underdog status at home an attractive bet.
