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Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference foes

By Parker Fleming

Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) defends in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Spurs defeated Grizzlies 96-87. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) defends in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Spurs defeated Grizzlies 96-87. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2. San Antonio Spurs

Overview:

Tim Duncan has officially retired, and the San Antonio Spurs are moving towards a new era. They have signed Pau Gasol to join Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge in the front-court. The Spurs drafted Tony Parker’s potential replacement in Dejounte Murray. Greg Popovich should form another playoff team. The question is whether this team can legitimately challenge the Golden State Warriors for the Western Conference throne.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Point Guard and Depth

Tony Parker is aging significantly. Last season, his scoring dipped to 11.9 points-per-game; and his assist average was at a modest 5.3 per contest. Mike Conley must capitalize on Parker’s defensive deficiencies to help the Memphis Grizzlies win.

The Spurs lost their two best backup big men in David West and Boris Diaw to sign Pau Gasol. Aside from Patty Mills and Manu Ginobli, the Spurs’ depth chart is thin. The Grizzlies must use a surprising advantage in order to steal some games against the Spurs.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

Kawhi Leonard’s brilliance

Kawhi Leonard’s emergence as a go-to scorer cemented him as a top-10 player in this league. Any way Pop uses the two-time Defensive Player of the Year is a disadvantage for the Memphis Grizzlies. On Parsons, Kawhi takes their best shooter out of the game. Against Conley, he gets the entire Grizzlies’ offense out of sync. The Grizzlies just need to pray that Kawhi will have an off night.

Projected Record: 57-25

Next: 1. Golden State Warriors

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