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4 Bold Predictions for the 2018-19 Memphis Grizzlies Season

By Christian Dudley

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 10: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 10: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Memphis Reaches the Playoffs. Easily.

AJ Salah: “This is really the Memphis Grizzlies’ best-case scenario for 2018-19; if the stars all align in a stroke of apologetic good luck for the Chandler Parsons contract. It will require not only the team to play above expectations, but have good fortune health-wise, and possibly even a couple key injuries to rivals.

But is it unrealistic? This roster — on paper — is by most measures better than last year’s. Those Grizzlies started the season atop the West, with wins over the Golden Warriors and Houston Rockets (twice) before the wheels fell off. Obviously Golden State and Houston are not sweating Memphis this season, but the West playoff race is not Fort Knox.

Beneath the incumbent top-two seeds, only the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder are locks for playoff spots at full strength. You could probably toss the Los Angeles Lakers in, too, because, LeBron James. But beneath them, any team is vulnerable.

The Denver Nuggets are still young and terrible defensively. The San Antonio Spurs are — for once — in serious flux. The New Orleans Pelicans are a (entirely possible) Anthony Davis injury away from panic mode. The Portland Trail Blazers got shamelessly exposed last spring.

From there, the Los Angeles Clippers are very talent-nebulous. Lastly, the Minnesota Timberwolves — a franchise with a very messy history — are currently the biggest mess they have ever been.

Memphis will likely see themselves in the thick of the playoff race, and could benefit from unassumed contributions in any number of areas: Jaren Jackson Jr. could uncork an Rookie of the Year-type debut. Kyle Anderson and/or Dillon Brooks could make mini-leaps. Marc Gasol could channel his 2016 self. Plus, Chandler Parsons may finally be of use.

A healthy Mike Conley provides a much firmer floor for this team, with potential for more abound. Majority owner Robert Pera’s expectation of 50 wins may be a lofty bar to set, but if we are making bold predictions, it is not entirely inconceivable.

There is a world where the Memphis Grizzlies grind their way to a six-seed, and force a team like Utah to check itself in the first round. Best of all, Memphis would then get to dump a non-lottery pick for the first-rounder they owe the Boston Celtics next June.”

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