Memphis Grizzlies’ path to the Playoffs

While the Memphis Grizzlies have struggled and it looks bleak, there’s a way for them to reach the playoffs. What must it take?

The Memphis Grizzlies did snap their 11-game losing streak in a much-needed win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but many people have given up on this season.

There’s rampant speculation about blowing it up and starting over. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace has stated that the team won’t trade Marc Gasol or Mike Conley and that the team is not starting over. There are reasons to have Chris Wallace’s optimism moving forward.

Why to be optimistic

First off, the Grizzlies have been hit hard by injury. Mike Conley has missed 11 games, JaMychal Green has missed 12 games, Chandler Parsons has missed 5 games, and Brandan Wright has missed 7 games. Those are four important players in the Grizzlies rotation that have missed significant time thus far. It’s hard to replace that kind of production in the NBA. It would be easy to think that when fully-healthy, you will see the Grizzlies team that started 5-1 with wins over the Warriors and Rockets.

The Grizzlies have also played a tough schedule according to every strength of schedule metric out there. Memphis has played the second toughest schedule in the league. They’ve played the Rockets four times, the Spurs twice, the Trail Blazers twice, and games against the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Warriors and Nuggets. It’s easy to think if you start with a tough schedule, you’ll be able to finish with an easier schedule. The Grizzlies still have two games to play against the Hawks and Bulls. In addition, they have three games left to play with the Clippers, Lakers and Kings. They also have four games left against the Phoenix Suns.

The outlook on the season isn’t good at this moment, but the Grizzlies’ current record is 8-15. They’ve made the playoffs in seven straight seasons, and if you go all the way back to that first playoff season in 2010-11, the Grizzlies started at 8-14. They went on to finish the season 38-22, sneaking into the playoffs as the eighth seed and defeating the Spurs in the first round.

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There’s hope for this season. The Grizzlies could turn this around. Their next four games include a road game against the Knicks and then three home games against the Raptors, Thunder and Heat. Losing more than one of these games could really hurt the Grizzlies. They have to start putting together some winning streaks during this season.

Where can they find success?

The Memphis Grizzlies’ success starts with Marc Gasol. He has been everything for the Grizzlies this season. He’s second in the league in touches, and the Grizzlies run their offense through him when he’s on the floor. They’re asking a great deal from the big man, and he has delivered this season.

The problem for the Grizzlies is. they haven’t had many consistent players this season aside from Marc Gasol and Tyreke Evans. They’re the only two Grizzlies averaging in double figures who have appeared in every game this season. They need some guys to step up and be consistent in order to right the ship.

At the end of the day, if the Grizzlies can get healthy, they have a chance to make the playoffs. If they have injury troubles throughout the season, it’ll be a long one.

Mike Conley’s injury has to heal quickly, and they need guys to step up to be consistent scorers. There have been numerous injuries in the Western Conference, and teams have found ways to stay afloat and continue to compete. The Jazz lost Rudy Gobert, and the Nuggets are without Paul Millsap. Injuries happen, and you have to play on.

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, their chances of making the playoffs look slim, but there’s a chance.