Trail Blazers Aim to Bounce Back Against Short-Handed Grizzlies

Portland looks to end two-game skid as they face Memphis without key players

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Portland Trail Blazers are preparing for the final stretch of the NBA season and will face the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Portland has lost two straight and four of their last six games, while searching for the right lineup combinations. Interim coach Tiago Splitter is hoping the return of Deni Avdija from a back injury can provide a boost. The Grizzlies will be without star Ja Morant and big man Zach Edey, but got a strong effort from their available players in a recent loss to the Timberwolves.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for the Trail Blazers as they look to solidify their position in the play-in tournament. The team has struggled to find consistency with various lineup changes, and the return of Avdija could provide a much-needed spark. Meanwhile, the short-handed Grizzlies will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss and maintain their standing in the Western Conference playoff race.

The details

The Trail Blazers are coming off a 135-101 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, where Splitter felt the team lacked energy. With Avdija nearing a return from a back injury, Splitter is hopeful the team can find the right balance between their defensive, rebounding, and offensive units. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will be playing the second game of a back-to-back after their 117-110 loss to the Timberwolves. Despite missing key players, coach Tuomas Iisalo was encouraged by the effort and teamwork he saw from his available players.

  • The Trail Blazers are in position to earn a spot in the play-in tournament that begins on April 14.
  • Deni Avdija has missed the past four games with a lower back injury.
  • Ja Morant has missed 18 consecutive games with a left elbow injury.
  • Zach Edey has missed most of the season and will not return after undergoing a procedure on his left ankle on Tuesday.

The players

Deni Avdija

A Trail Blazers player who is recovering from a back injury and nearing a return to the lineup.

Tiago Splitter

The interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Ja Morant

A star player for the Memphis Grizzlies who has missed 18 consecutive games with a left elbow injury.

Zach Edey

A Memphis Grizzlies player who has missed most of the season and will not return after undergoing a procedure on his left ankle.

Tuomas Iisalo

The head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.

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What they’re saying

“We have guys coming back and we are still trying to find our game out there with the (different) lineups and who plays well with who. We have lineups that are better defensively, lineups that crash the boards better, lineups that are better offensively. We still don't have a balance. We have to find it.”

— Tiago Splitter, Interim Head Coach, Portland Trail Blazers (statenews.net)

“I think they should be very proud of themselves. That's something we have talked about that is a non-negotiable for us. (Effort) and playing together.”

— Tuomas Iisalo, Head Coach, Memphis Grizzlies (statenews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game will be a test of the Trail Blazers' ability to find the right lineup combinations and chemistry as they push for a spot in the play-in tournament. The Grizzlies, despite missing key players, will look to maintain their competitive edge and continue their strong season.