Unbeaten Grizzlies Face Portland in High-Stakes Rivalry

The Memphis Grizzlies have won four straight games to open the season, a record that stands alone among the team's recent history.

Only once in the last decade and a half has the franchise started a campaign with four victories. The previous instance was the 2014-15 squad that finished with a 55-27 record. This current group is in the midst of a major reconstruction following the departure of key assets.

The Grizzlies traded guard Jaren Jackson to Utah last season. They then sent point guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in June in exchange for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. These moves were intended to reshape the roster, yet the team has maintained a perfect record through its first four contests.

Memphis will face Portland on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. The Trail Blazers are also undefeated, holding a 3-0 record. This matchup marks Morant's first game against his former team since the trade was finalized.

Portland has transformed its backcourt with the addition of Morant and Damian Lillard. Lillard missed the entire previous season due to an injury sustained in his final year with Milwaukee. He is now averaging 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

Morant has adapted to a supporting role in Portland. He is averaging 16.3 points on 58.8 percent shooting from the field along with 6.3 assists. The team leads the league in scoring, averaging 129.3 points per game. They also lead in made field goals per game with a total of 45.7.

The Grizzlies are relying heavily on guard Ty Jerome, who has emerged as a top performer during the rebuild. Jerome is averaging 29.8 points per game, a massive jump from his career average of 9.7. He leads the league in second-half scoring average at 19.0 points and fourth-quarter scoring at 10.0 points.

Memphis has benefited from favorable matchups. Its four opponents are all below .500 on the season. The Grizzlies led at halftime in all four games and have out-shot their opponents from beyond the arc in every contest. They are shooting 39.1 percent from three-point range while holding opponents to 32.4 percent.

Portland is a 7.5-point home favorite in this contest. The total points line is set at 232.5. The Trail Blazers won three of four games against Memphis last season and have won the last three meetings at home.