Memphis Grizzlies: Five most important series post All-Star break
By Ethan Becker
5. San Antonio Spurs: One game
The San Antonio Spurs currently sit in the 10th seed in the Western Conference, and are only five games behind the Grizzlies for that coveted eighth seed.
Memphis currently has the upper hand in their series against the Spurs, with the Grizzlies winning two of the three games they’ve already played. On average, Memphis has recorded 120.7 points, 43.7 rebounds, and have shot 49.8 percent from the field vs the Spurs. Meanwhile, San Antonio averages 125.0 points, 41.7 rebounds, and shot 54.1 percent from the field.
Losing this game for Memphis would just make the gap between the inside and outside of the playoff that much smaller, and it would put more pressure on Memphis to win through the rest of the season.
San Antonio is only one game away from taking the ninth seed, and if the Spurs were able to grab and secure that from the Blazers it could give them the momentum they need to propel themselves into the playoff race.
With Memphis having the toughest schedule left in the West, and San Antonio have one of the easiest, the Spurs are likely to take advantage of any momentum they get, and Memphis giving them a win could be dangerous.