2015 NBA Playoff Previews: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Now that the regular season has ended, we’ve switched into playoff mode here at Friendly Bounce. To kick off our coverage, we’re bringing you some unique previews of every series. You’ll find a #10WordRecap of each team’s season, a recap of their season using emojis, important Vines, and reasons why they will, and won’t, win their first-round matchup.
Portland Trail Blazers (4): By Jack Maloney (@jackhaveitall)
#10WordRecap
So many injuries. So, so many injuries. What to h*ck.
Emoji Recap
Three Most Important Vines
Dame punching out
Dame on Rudy
Chris Kaman’s circus act
“Woke up an optimist. Sun was shining, I’m positive.” The Blazers will win because…
Damian Lillard showed last year that he’s a killer come playoff time, hitting the series-clinching shot in front of a raucous crowd last year in the Blazers’ first-round matchup with the Rockets. And just like last year, no one expects them to advance. Which is just how Lillard likes it. He’s thrived as an underdog his whole career, and this year will be no different. With his buddy LaMarcus Aldridge ready to follow his lead, Dame will take control and lead the Blazers to the second-round.
“Too many Urkels on your team that’s why your wins low.” The Blazers will lose because…
Playing the Blazers in the first-round is a blessing for the Grizzlies. Memphis won’t be completely healthy, limping into the postseason potentially without Mike Conley or Tony Allen. But, Portland won’t be 100 percent either. The Grizz dominated the regular season series, winning all four games against their Northwestern foe, and with home-court advantage, that will continue. With Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph leading the way, the Grizzlies will bully the Blazers into submission.
Memphis Grizzlies (5): By Ian Dougherty (@IanDougherty)
#10WordRecap
Grit-N-Grind is the only life a player needs.
Emoji Recap
Three Most Important Vines
Gasol is straight cash, homie
Lol
TA is turnt
“Woke up an optimist. Sun was shining, I’m positive.” The Grizzlies will win because…
Ever since they can remember, the Memphis Grizzlies have been gritting and grinding their way to playoff glory. They have quick perimeter defenders to stick with Damian Lillard, and the strength and toughness inside to deal with LaMarcus Aldridge. An unfortunate injury to Wes Matthews earlier in the season gives the Grizzlies another advantage.
“Too many Urkels on your team that’s why your wins low.” The Grizzlies will lose because…
Damian Lillard hasn’t been himself since vowing to take the league by storm following his All-Star snub. However, the playoffs are in prime time, and prime time is Dame Time. Be ready for the calm-but-still-fiery young guard to find his game again, and do everything in his power to advance.