Memphis Grizzlies Rise to 4th-Best Odds for 2015-16?

Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ odds of winning next season’s NBA World Championship are beginning to skyrocket.

A Memphis Grizzlies fan posted on Twitter today the current betting odds for next season’s NBA World Championship. [Ed. Note: Click the Instagram link to view the photo].

Memphis has jumped to the fourth-best position at 6:1 odds. This is immediately behind the obvious picks of the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and a healthy Oklahoma City Thunder squad.

This is definitely exciting news for Grizz Nation because it shows how valuable basketball fans view the Memphis Grizzlies’ core plus the brand of basketball that they play. Defense truly wins games. People are now beginning to take notice of the Grizzlies in many ways. Are they losing their underdog touch? Well, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves just yet…

Feb 5, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots the ball over Dallas Mavericks power forward Brandan Wright (34) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis’ Free-Agency agreement with forward/center Brandan Wright is a tremendous acquisition. It is simultaneously a major steal off the market in comparison to what other similar players are currently receiving in NBA Free-Agency. This move plus the sneaky wheel-and-deal addition of Matt Barnes has significantly made the Grizzlies into an even better team. While the team was knocking on the door of a championship, perhaps 2015-16 will see Memphis finally step inside of that said door.

What must go right for Memphis in order for these odds to come true?

First, the Grizzlies MUST retain Marc Gasol. Without Big Spain, these favorable odds will plummet and hit rock bottom for Memphis. Regardless of how lucrative of a new contract for Gasol becomes this offseason, as long as he is brought back in a Grizzly uniform, this team will be in excellent hands moving forward.

Health will also be a major factor in the success of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015-16. Health was the main deciding factor for the franchise in the team’s latest trip to the postseason. While the Grizz battled harder following each and every setback, they were too battered and bruised to slip into the Western Conference Finals.

All in all, while many analysts, experts, NBA fans, and Grizz fans truly believed the 2014-15 Memphis Grizzlies had what it took–on paper–to win a championship, the best yet may lie ahead for Grizz Nation.

Do you agree with Las Vegas’ current odds that favor the Memphis Grizzlies so highly? Let Beale Street Bears know your thoughts!

Go Grizz!

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