J&J Preview: Grizzlies vs. Blazers tonight LIVE on 92.9

Memphis Grizzlies (4-0) at Portland Trail Blazers (3-0)
Tipoff: 9:00 PM CT | Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

Pregame at 8:30 p.m. Tip at 9:00 p.m. live tonight on 92.9 FM ESPN

Here's Trysta Krick from NBC from Portland on with J&J Previewing tonight's matchup. AUDIO:

THE BIG STORY: JA MORANT FACES HIS FORMER TEAM

• Ja Morant faces the Memphis Grizzlies for the first time since being traded to Portland on June 29, 2026.
• Morant spent seven seasons in Memphis after being selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
• The two-time All-Star helped transform the Grizzlies into one of the NBA's most exciting teams, including a 56-win season in 2021-22.
• Memphis traded Morant to Portland in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, officially ending an era of Grizzlies basketball.
• Morant enters tonight averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 assists, shooting an impressive 58.8% from the field.
• He scored 23 points in Portland's 136-129 victory over the Lakers on Tuesday.
• Morant told reporters Wednesday that he didn't want to leave Memphis but is happy with his new situation in Portland.
• He acknowledged taking responsibility for his past mistakes while suggesting other factors contributed to the breakup.
• Morant says he doesn't hold a grudge against Memphis and remains in contact with former teammates, including Zach Edey, GG Jackson and Scotty Pippen Jr.
• Interestingly, Morant says he's watched every Grizzlies game this season.
• Morant's return to FedExForum won't happen until February 6, 2027

GRIZZLIES: A PERFECT 4-0 START

• Memphis enters tonight undefeated, with four consecutive victories to open the season.
• The Grizzlies are off to their best start since the 2014-15 season.
• Memphis is 3-0 on its current four-game road trip.
• Season results:
  • Beat Utah 123-103.
  • Beat Golden State 111-108.
  • Beat Sacramento 123-112.
  • Beat Utah 110-105.
• Memphis is averaging 116.8 points per game while allowing just 107.
• Coach Tuomas Iisalo has the Grizzlies playing with confidence following last season's disappointing 25-57 campaign.
• Memphis has an opportunity to complete a perfect four-game road trip tonight.

TY JEROME: THE NEW FACE OF MEMPHIS' OFFENSE

• Ty Jerome has been one of the NBA's biggest early-season surprises.
• Jerome is averaging an outstanding 29.8 points and 6.5 assists per game.
• Opened the season with a career-high 45 points against Utah.
• Followed with performances of 28 and 31 points before scoring 15 in Monday's victory over the Jazz.
• Jerome has emerged as Memphis' primary offensive leader following Morant's departure.
• Jerome's scoring and decision-making will be critical against Portland's talented defensive backcourt.

PORTLAND: ALSO UNDEFEATED

• The Trail Blazers enter tonight 3-0 and have been among the NBA's most explosive offensive teams.
• Portland is averaging 129.3 points per game, compared with Memphis' 116.8.
• Portland's victories:
  • Phoenix, 124-83.
  • Sacramento, 128-120.
  • Los Angeles Lakers, 136-129.
• Deni Avdija leads Portland in scoring at 22.3 points per game, adding 7 rebounds and 6.3 assists.
• Damian Lillard gives Portland another proven offensive weapon alongside Morant.
• Veteran Jrue Holiday provides defense, experience and additional ball-handling.
• Donovan Clingan gives the Trail Blazers a significant presence around the basket.
• Portland won three of four meetings against Memphis last season.

KEY MATCHUPS TO WATCH

• Ty Jerome vs. Ja Morant: The Grizzlies' new offensive leader goes head-to-head with the player who defined the franchise for seven seasons.
• Zach Edey vs. Donovan Clingan: Two imposing young centers battle for rebounding position and control of the paint.
• Cameron Boozer's continued development: The third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is averaging 14.8 points and 10.5 rebounds.
• Cedric Coward's emergence: Coward recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds Monday against Utah.
• Jerami Grant against his former team: Grant faces Portland for the first time since being included in the Morant trade. He scored 13 points against Utah on Monday.
• Three-point defense: Portland is averaging 17 made three-pointers per game. Memphis must limit open perimeter looks.
• Rebounding advantage: Memphis averages 50 rebounds per game, making its frontcourt a potential difference-maker.

FIVE KEYS TO A GRIZZLIES VICTORY

1. Control Ja Morant's penetration. Force him into contested jump shots rather than allowing easy opportunities at the rim.
2. Get another big night from Ty Jerome. Memphis needs its leading scorer to continue his remarkable start.
3. Win the rebounding battle. Edey, Boozer and Coward must control the glass.
4. Limit Portland's three-point shooting. The Blazers have multiple perimeter scoring threats.
5. Finish the road trip strong. Memphis has a chance to improve to 5-0 and establish itself as one of the NBA's early surprises.

FINAL POINTS

• Both teams enter undefeated. Somebody's perfect start ends tonight.
• Morant's first game against Memphis adds considerable emotion to an already intriguing Western Conference matchup.
• Both franchises appear to have benefited from their offseason reset, at least through the opening week.
• The Grizzlies have an opportunity to show they can win without the superstar who once defined their identity.
• Portland is favored by approximately 7.5 points, despite Memphis' undefeated record.
• Tonight's biggest question: Is Memphis better positioned for the future without Ja Morant? This game offers an early opportunity to evaluate both teams following the trade.