The Memphis Grizzlies were comfortably in second place in the Western Conference for most of the season, but faded down the stretch. They will face Portlant in the first round of the playoffs, and the Blazers have even bigger problems. I like the Grizz to shut down a banged up Blazers team here in Game 1.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - The Grizzlies have won four straight home meetings with Portland, and nine of the last 10 overall in this series. They've held the Blazers to an average of 92 points in their last four visits to Memphis.

2. Injuries - It's hard not to feel sorry for the Blazers, as they have been decimated by injuries this season. Wesley Matthews is done for the year with an Achilles injury. Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge are expected to play despite being banged up, but Arron Afflalo and Chris Kaman are unlikely to be available for Game 1.

3. X-Factor - The Blazers have failed to cover in each of their last four road games, and five of their last six road games versus a team with a winning record.

Selection: This is a play on the Memphis Grizzlies(10*)