Memphis Grizzlies: How does the 2021 NBA Play-in Tournament work?
The Memphis Grizzlies would have an advantage in the play-in tournament
The play-in tournament was created to promote fairness. That being said, the Grizzlies would be playing with an advantage over the other teams competing.
This is a Memphis team that will have earned their spot in the tournament without their second-best player in Jaren Jackson Jr. in the lineup. When Jackson Jr. returns, Ja Morant will have his partner back and the team will be significantly better, at least after JJJ shakes off the rust.
That being said, you’re essentially adding an up-and-coming star to a team that earned a play-in tournament big without him. In a competitive Western Conference, this could be huge for a team that got knocked in last year’s tournament.
If the Grizzlies end up in one of these spots, they should perform well. Barring any injuries, they’ll be the most talented team competing by a pretty wide margin.
Next. Watch Ja Morant's jaw-dropping alley-oop finish. dark
Hopefully this team can stay alive a bit longer without JJJ and stay in position for one of the higher seeds of the tournament.