The Memphis Grizzlies are all the time dubbed as a harmful workforce, particularly when Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr are at full well being. Sadly, that hasn’t been the case this 12 months, with Morant lacking 31. Furthermore, the Grizzlies additionally made a questionable transfer late within the 2024-25 season once they determined to fireplace head coach Taylor Jenkins together with a few of his assistants.
Firing a coach with 9 video games left earlier than the playoffs is not ultimate. Actually, Memphis already dropped seven of their final 10 video games. It additionally does not assist that Memphis is presently jockeying a seat within the high six seeds towards the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Clippers. It is definitely a decent race that will decide how far this workforce will go within the playoffs.
Dream state of affairs: Grizzlies keep their spot because the sixth seed and draw the Nuggets within the first spherical
The Grizzlies are barely hanging on the sixth seed. Sadly for them, the Timberwolves and Clippers are respiration just under their necks. Nonetheless, Memphis nonetheless has a strong probability to maintain their spot for so long as they end their common season in sturdy vogue, which is less complicated mentioned than performed. However, the Grizzlies did take a step in the suitable path once they just lately gained their first sport, 110-108, on the expense of the Miami Warmth beneath head coach Tuomas Lisalo. It was certainly a much-needed victory because the firing of Jenkins.
Avoiding the Play-In Event would make life a lot simpler for Memphis. They’ll hold their roster recent and away from accidents. However extra importantly, the workforce additionally avoids the chance of lacking the playoffs altogether. By sustaining their spot on the sixth seed, there’s a good probability they draw the Denver Nuggets within the first spherical.
Though the Nuggets are one of many high groups within the Western Convention, the Grizzlies are outfitted to sluggish them down. Personnel-wise, Memphis has former Defensive Participant of the Yr Jackson Jr., younger Spanish huge man Santi Aldama, and Zach Edey to throw at reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Furthermore, they even have the insurance coverage of Marvin Bagley III in the event that they want a further huge physique within the frontcourt.
Memphis may exploit the Nuggets’ comparatively weak perimeter protection. With Morant main the cost, he will definitely demand some consideration from the protection. Then again, Desmond Bane, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, and Luke Kennard may additionally play pivotal roles within the doable first-round conflict. The Grizzlies have a deep roster and will use it to their benefit towards a Nuggets squad that is been struggling on the defensive finish.
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Nightmare state of affairs: Memphis falls into the Play-In Event
Whereas Memphis has taken itself out of the Play-In Event dialog for now, failing to mount a profitable streak may see them collapse again into the Play-In. With the workforce nonetheless adjusting to the teaching change, the possibilities of this state of affairs changing into a actuality is comparatively giant. Furthermore, it additionally does not assist that the Grizzlies can have their final three video games towards the Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Mavericks. All three of them are hungry to win video games of their favor because of postseason implications.
By falling into the Play-In, the Grizzlies will certainly have their arms full towards presumably the Clippers or the Timberwolves. Drawing any of these groups would immediately be a dogfight. Ought to they survive, they face the winner of the ninth and tenth seed contest, which may both be the Mavs or the Sacramento Kings. The Phoenix Suns may additionally be a sneaky Play-In squad.
Ought to the Grizzlies survive, they acquire an early conflict towards two of the highest groups within the Western Convention. Based mostly on the 2024-25 season alone, the workforce has struggled towards each the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Houston Rockets. They have been swept by the Thunder, going 0-4 within the common season. Then again, the Grizzlies went down 1-3 by the hands of the Rockets. However extra importantly, Memphis should face any of the 2 with a homecourt drawback.
Initially, Memphis was one of many darkish horses within the West, particularly with a wholesome Morant and Jackson. Nonetheless, it seems to be like some front-office strikes have negatively affected the workforce’s marketing campaign, from selecting to remain pat on the commerce deadline, failing so as to add a lacking piece to their core, to firing Jenkins simply 9 video games earlier than the playoffs roll round. On the finish of the day, how far the Grizzlies will go this 12 months ought to reveal the outcomes of these strikes.