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Ranking the Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA Seeding Games

By AJ Salah

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket on Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket on Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Damian Lillard
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2. Portland Trail Blazers, July 31

On a base level, this game would rank high as the first Memphis Grizzlies basketball in over four months.

But any sense of jubilation will likely fade quickly: it’s business right off the bat. The Grizzlies open the seeding games with arguably the most pivotal contest in the West playoff race.

Portland sit in a theoretical “tie” with the Pelicans and Sacramento Kings, 3.5 games back of the Grizzlies. However, the Blazers have played more games, giving them a minute edge in overall winning %. With the NBA now using winning % to seed teams with skewed schedules, Portland effectively holds a tie-breaker should they knot for the 8th or 9th seed.

Further help to the Blazers, they’ll be welcoming back the aforementioned Nurkic and Collins. Despite losing Trevor Ariza and Caleb Swanigan, Portland will be closer to 100% than they’ve been all year.

The consolation for Memphis is that they at least get to serve as the litmus test. Efforts will be made early to work Nurkic and Collins back in, potentially cannibalizing the Blazers’ backcourt touches.

The less Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have the ball in their hands, the better. Margins should be razor-thin: two teams with like records and net ratings, who match up quite similar.

Look for De’Anthony Melton to have a strong presence in this game; a breakout opportunity in the national spotlight.

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