Right now Portland holds the No. 6 seed in the West. But Memphis is just a game back at No. 7 and New Orleans 1.5 games back for the No. 8 spot. The Blazers (47-33) control their own destiny, so if they win tonight they would be the No. 6 seed no matter what any other team does. A loss to the Grizzlies would put Memphis in control for No. 6, although the Blazers can finish no worse than seventh if they win either of their final two games. Portland cannot afford to be tied with New Orleans (46-35) because the Hornets won the season series this year. Memphis (46-34) can also get the No. 6 spot, but only if it wins tonight and does not tie with the Hornets. Pretty much no one wants the No. 7 seed because that means a likely matchup with the Lakers.

Portland has won four of five and was impressive in beating the Lakers on Friday behind another stellar game from LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers didn’t have center Marcus Camby because of a strained neck in that one but he should play tonight. Portland and Memphis have split two meetings this year, both at Memphis. The Grizzlies swept the Blazers at the Rose Garden last year.

Memphis has won six of its last seven games, including an blowout 111-89 victory over the Hornets on Sunday night. The Grizzlies have held their last 11 opponents to an average of 89.2 points per game. They are 23-3 this season when holding an opponent to 91 points or less.

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