Portland and Memphis enter Sunday’s meeting with long injury lists that shape the outlook for the Western Conference matchup at FedExForum.
The Trail Blazers arrive at 9-14 and look to halt a one-game skid after falling 116-122 at Detroit. Their recent stretch also includes a 122-110 win over Cleveland, showing flashes of strong offensive play behind Deni Avdija’s season average of 26.2 points per game.
Portland’s injury report remains extensive. Donovan Clingan is listed as questionable with a left lower leg contusion, leaving his interior defense and rebounding in doubt. His potential absence places added pressure on Jerami Grant and Toumani Camara to anchor the frontcourt.
Scoot Henderson remains out with a left hamstring tear, limiting Portland’s ballhandling depth. Jrue Holiday continues to sit with a right calf strain. Damian Lillard will miss the contest due to left Achilles tendon injury management.
Shaedon Sharpe has seen increased responsibility and brings a 21.3-point scoring average into Memphis.
Matisse Thybulle remains sidelined with a left thumb ligament tear, limiting Portland’s wing defense. Blake Wesley is also out with a right foot fracture, reducing guard rotation options even further.
Memphis enters at 10-13 and carries a one-game winning streak after a 107-98 victory over the Clippers. The Grizzlies previously dropped a 119-126 road game to San Antonio, but their recent play has highlighted improved structure around Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 17.5-point average and Zach Edey’s efficient interior scoring.
The Grizzlies’ injury report continues to be lengthy. Brandon Clarke remains out as he recovers from right knee surgery, keeping Memphis without one of its most active forwards. GG Jackson is unavailable due to a G League assignment, narrowing rotation flexibility at the four.
Ty Jerome remains out with a right calf strain, and Scotty Pippen Jr. continues to recover from left great toe surgery. Javon Small is also sidelined with a left toe injury, shrinking guard depth.
Ja Morant is listed as doubtful with a right calf strain. His status looms as the central storyline, as his 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game significantly influence Memphis’ pace and half-court creation.
Both teams meet for the first time this season.
