Beale Street Bears
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 16
Next
Jan 6, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Oklahoma City Thunder

Overview:

NBA fans could be witnessing one of the best individual seasons in a long time. Now that Kevin Durant left town for Western Conference foe Golden State Warriors, Russell Westbrook will be out for blood. The triple-double machine may win the MVP award this season. However, while his play will win lots of games for Oklahoma City, his wild style can lose games. If Victor Oladipo, Steven Adams or Enes Katner can prove to be solid scoring options next to Westbrook, they can compete for seeds 3-5. If it is the “Russell Westbrook Show,” the Thunder will be on the road to start the playoffs.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Small Forward Play

Chandler Parsons will likely match-up with Andre Roberson when these two teams square up. Roberson has the makings of an elite defender, but Parsons still has the advantage here. If the 6’10” Parsons can capitalize on the height mismatch by rising over the top of the shorter Roberson, he can be a 30-point threat for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The small forward match-up the bench is even scarier. James Ennis against Kyle Singler. Yikes.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

Oklahoma City’s hyperactive backcourt

Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo have superior athleticism and explosiveness over Mike Conley and Tony Allen. If they get going on the fast break, it will be a long night for not just the Memphis Grizzlies, but the entire NBA.

Projected Record: 44-38

Next: 7. Dallas Mavericks

Home/Grizzlies News