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Memphis Grizzlies: First half 2020-21 NBA schedule takeaways

By Josh Mullenix

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies lines up for a Sacramento Kings free throw during the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies lines up for a Sacramento Kings free throw during the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the fourth quarter in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the fourth quarter in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

2. A .500-ish start through the first 37 games would be incredible

I went through the schedule and predicted winners as objectively as possible. Through 37 games I got to 17-20. That’s more than respectable for a team this young in a conference this good halfway through the season. Of course, that doesn’t account for the games that the Grizzlies will win where they are the underdog or the inevitability of Memphis losing a game they shouldn’t lose. A couple games under .500 seems like the logical conclusion to come to, give or take a couple of games.

Seventeen wins through 37 games puts them on track to surpass Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook’s opening over/under for Memphis’ win total of 31.5. That’s good enough for 11th in the Western Conference. I say that to say that Memphis could surpass those numbers, Taylor Jenkins could turn in another good season as head coach, Ja and Jaren could improve and the rookies look good and Memphis could still miss the playoffs. I  know that’s a somber reality to try and come to, but the West is loaded.

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