Memphis Grizzlies: Dare I say playoffs?

The Memphis Grizzlies finished 2017 with a big win over the Sacramento Kings. Now they have a month to make a final push.

The Memphis Grizzlies took out the Sacramento Kings on New Year’s Eve with a big win 114-96. Heading into the New Year (0-0) and currently 12-25, I think that the month of January is the Grizzlies’ last chance to make a push. Currently sitting six games back of the eight seed in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are still alive, and we can see the team that started 5-0, again.

Entering a month with only four road games and nine home games, this is the Grizzlies’ final stand this regular season. With Mike Conley going through two-hour rehab sessions after each practice and shooting around before games, January can be the Grizzlies month. Maybe it’s crazy, but it really isn’t all that crazy if you look into it.

Step outside the tank for a moment and look at this schedule the Grizzlies face in the month of January. Away games will feature the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Indiana Pacers. Home games will include the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.

My message: Don’t jump to the tank, but weather your expectations with this team.

Looking back, this team has found the worst ways to lose games, which could help a team bond. This west coast road trip concludes tonight verses the Clippers. How they handle this game will say a lot about this team coming home.

With that being said, if Conley makes his return in the first week of January with no hiccups in his rehab, the Grizzlies will be fine. The biggest question will be, the adjustment to Conley on the floor with these guys. Then, the minutes restriction that comes with his rehab. Will Conley have one? In the past, he has been the only player I’ve seen return with no restriction. How the team and Conley respond will be huge.

More from Grizzlies News

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Bottom line:

The Grizzlies are on their last leg this season, and maybe I’m behind on this, but the NBA is a fun league, and it’s all about putting it together at the right time.

The Grizzlies have the opportunity to put it together in the month of January. Sitting at 12-25, maybe it’s too late. However, only sitting six games back of the eight seed in the Western Conference makes me think their prime for one last run.