CJ McCollum Damian Lillard
Photo: Twitter/NBA

The Portland Trail Blazers advanced to the playoffs and will now face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

The Blazers survived a late thriller against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first game of the play-in tournament (122-126) and sealed their place in the postseason.

Damian Lillard (31 points, 10 assists) and CJ McCollum (29 points) led the winners, while Carmelo Anthony added 21 points. Ja Morant had a game-high 35 points for the Grizzlies, but could not help Memphis earn the victory and force a second game.

The Lakers and Blazers faced each other three times this season, with Los Angeles going 2-1.