As the season winds down, the race for the fourth seed is tight. What are some best or worst case scenarios for the Memphis Grizzlies?
As the regular season begins to trickle down, teams are beginning to prepare for the postseason. Teams in the upper echelon of the standings may rest players in preparation for a playoff run. Teams on the bubble will jockey for position. For the Memphis Grizzlies, they’re in a thick race for the fourth seed with the Jazz, Clippers and Thunder.
With only 18 games left in the season, the Grizzlies need to make a push forward now. The Grizz should avoid seeds 6-8, which would set a matchup with either the Warriors, Spurs or Rockets. Each of the teams present its on unique set of challenges, schemes and mismatches.
Current Position
As of today, the Memphis Grizzlies would have a date setup with the Houston Rockets. The two teams have split the season series as each team won one at home and on the road. MVP Candidate James Harden seems poised to carry his team single-handedly this season. Even so, the team currently built around him has the pieces to out-shoot any team in the league.
Best-case Scenario
Only four games separate Memphis from the 4th seed Utah Jazz, and only 2.5 from the 5th seed LA Clippers. The Grizzlies’ experience advantage over the Jazz may be a little overrated, however it’s definitely a real thing that may swing a close series in their favor.
Against the Clippers, Memphis has an underrated toughness advantage over their opponent. In the playoffs, this is crucial. With the way their previous battles have gone, nothing about the Clippers seriously scares me.
Before the Grizzlies can push forward in the standings, they have to fix the problems currently plaguing the team. They’ve slipped to a 4-6 record over the last 10 games. The Thunder are only one game behind, and a dominate stretch from triple-double machine Russell Westbrook could help OKC supplant Memphis as the 6th seed.
Worst-case Scenario
If Russ explodes, the Grizzlies would slip to 7th and have a 1st round showdown with the Spurs or the Warriors. The Grizz currently hold a 3-1 record against the Warriors and Spurs combined, but regular season accomplishments hardly mean anything in the postseason. A matchup with either one of these teams in the opening round may not be the most advantageous position for Memphis.
Next: Grizzlies: Best Shot at WCF
Prediction
Thursday night’s game against the Clippers could prove to be pivotal for their playoff run. A win could provide the boost necessary to finish the season strong, but a loss will only prolong the Grizzlies’ current slump. I believe after an inspired home win Thursday, the Memphis Grizzlies could finish the season 14-4 over the last 18 games for a 50-32 record. In addition, they would finish with the 6th seed to set a 1st round bout with the Houston Rockets.