Could Memphis Grizzlies be this year’s Miami Heat?

Last season, the Miami Heat nearly slid into the playoffs after a 11-30 start. Could the Memphis Grizzlies find similar success?

The Memphis Grizzlies are closing their three-game homestand, and they’ve surprisingly struggled defending their home court. Since November 1st, they’ve won only one game at the “Grindhouse.” After years of having one of the stronger home-court advantages in basketball, the FedEx Forum has been a place where road teams have found success.

Part of it could be blamed on Mike Conley’s injury as he hasn’t played in a home game since then. You could also blame inopportune lapses of concentration or poor game management.

However, this matchup against the Miami Heat is absolutely crucial. They’re already 10 games below .500, and a few more losses could spell doom for the entire season — even this early.

On the other hand, let’s look at the Miami Heat.

Last season, they started the first half of the season at 11-30. Then, they bounced back in the second half of the season, ripping off a sizzling 30-11 run. Unfortunately, they were eliminated from playoff contention on the last day of the season.

As the Memphis Grizzlies are 8-18 and 14th in the Western Conference, could they pull off a similar run? What must change to do so?

What needs to happen

• HEALTH! 

They can’t accomplish any success without their conductor, Mike Conley. He’s the engine that drives this team. While Tyreke Evans has filled in more than admirably, the record shows the Grizzlies desperately need Conley. Without him, this team is garbage.

Similarly, they need Chandler Parsons to be healthy. Yes, the back-to-back issue isn’t glamorous, but the Grizzlies need Parsons on the court. He’s been a positive contributor so far this season. He’s emerged as one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. His high-IQ play helps him serve as a needed shotmaker and playmaker either in the starting lineup or off the bench.

Without these two players, the Grizzlies are what they are right now — a bottom-feeder.

• TYREKE ISLAND

There’s only one island, and it’s Waiters Island, buuuut …

Evans and Waiters are similar players. While Evans is a more-willing passer, both players have a knack for generating buckets in bunches. They can take anyone off the dribble and can knock down jumpers in anyone’s face.

For the Grizzlies to rally back, Evans needs to have an ultra-green light.

• No more negatives

TAKE THAT FOR DATA!

The team can’t be that much worse with your “best player” on the floor. You’re not going anywhere in this instance.

• Breakout players

Last season, players like James Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Josh Richardson were excellent as a supporting cast around Whiteside, Dragic and Waiters.

The Memphis Grizzlies need a few players to step up to support the quartet of Conley, Evans, Gasol and Parsons. JaMychal Green is a prime candidate to break out as he recently got paid this summer. Dillon Brooks has been a surprise as a rookie, and he needs to continue to be groomed for the 3-and-D role. Ben McLemore needs to round out the rest of his game and focus on consistency.

Rallying back from a 8-18 record to make the playoffs will be hard, especially in the West. The Grizzlies will need all the help they can get.

Next: Player Grades in loss to OKC

Game Info

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat

WHERE: FedEx Fourm – Memphis, TN

WHEN: 7:00 PM – ct

HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast — or any online stream

HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis