Western Conference: Predicting the final standings

Mar 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Marreese Speights (5) as Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) defends Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

2. Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are 39-14 and are on track for their first 60 win season in franchise history. The Grizzlies’, led by the smash brothers Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph average just over 35 points per game and 20 rebounds combined.

Memphis leads the Southwest Division by three games over second place Houston.  The Grizzlies’ success in 2014-2015 has been based on the health of their players.  Zach Randolph missed nine games due to knee soreness back in late December thru mid January, and the Grizzlies’ went 4-7 during that stretch.

Even though Memphis has gone thru some rough patches at times this season, they’ve seen some magic happen too. On November 13th against the Sacramento Kings, the Grizzlies’ trailed by 26 points at one point in the game. The grind-it-out style that Memphis plays, allowed them to get back in the game and eventually win it at the buzzer with a Courtney Lee tip-in.

The most notable victory for the Grizzlies’ was a 117-116 triple overtime thriller on December 17th in San Antonio.  The Grizzlies’ had not beaten the Spurs in San Antonio since the 2011 playoff upset.  Memphis is poised to grab their first division title in franchise history, but will have their hands full down the stretch with an ever competitive Southwest Division.

Prediction: 58-24

Next three: @ Portland, @ L.A. Clippers, @ Sacramento