Grind City Views: Grizzlies in national ‘power rankings’ (Week 22)

Mar 18, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale reacts to a call in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated San Antonio 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale reacts to a call in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated San Antonio 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to Grind City View’s Weekly Power Rankings, Beale Street Bears’ roundup of where the Memphis Grizzlies fall in the national power rankings.

ESPN- NO. 11

"“We’ve had Memphis in our top 10 (or thereabouts) for much of the season but felt compelled to drop ’em all the way down to No. 19 last week in the wake of some major recent slippage as well as the loss of Chandler Parsons to a season-ending knee injury for a third successive campaign. So what happens? The Grizz naturally rammed that nine-spot demotion right back in our face, posting a 4-0 week in response to their 0-5 start to March.”"

It’s always nice to prove experts wrong, and Memphis does a pretty good job in doing that. That being said, many experts don’t think the Grizzlies can win the NBA title. So yeah.

NBA.com- NO. 14

"Whether it’s a coincidence or not, the Grizzlies have turned things around since losing Chandler Parsons to another knee injury. They’ve followed an ugly five-game losing streak with a four-game winning streak, highlighted by Saturday’s win over the Spurs. Their new starting lineup, with Vince Carter starting in Parsons’ place, has outscored its opponents by 32 points per 100 possessions in 70 minutes over the streak, in part because Mike Conley and Marc Gasol have each played like stars. The pair has combined to average 40.5 points and 16.5 assists (with a 4.1 assist-turnover ratio) over the four games."

The Grizzlies just started playing team ball again. Imagine this team with a fully healthy Chandler Parsons. Even more deadly then we already are. Mike, Marc and VC have been balling out though. Let’s get that ranking up by next week.

More from Beale Street Bears

CBS Sports- NO. 12

"It feels very awkward that they took off, winning four straight, the minute Chandler Parsons was put on the shelf. But either way, the Grizzlies just beat the Hawks and Spurs, and still have a puncher’s chance at the No. 4 seed. Too bad they have the Warriors and Spurs, both on the road this week."

Too bad? CBS, did you know Memphis has a 4-2 record against the Warriors and Spurs this year? And, the only thing that’ll be awkward is when they have to write your next power rankings article when the Grizz grab those W’s.

Thanks for tuning in for this week’s Grind City Views’ segment of the power rankings.

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