The Memphis Grizzlies have been destined to land in the play-in tournament for virtually the entire season. And for a while, this was great news for a team that was missing their second-best player in Jaren Jackson Jr. for most of the year.
It looked like Memphis would be the only team in the play-in tournament who earned their spot without one of their stars.
But the closer we get to the NBA Playoffs and the play-in tournament, the further this statement has strayed from the truth.
A few weeks ago, it looked like the Grizzlies could be the best team in the tournament. That’s not just a take from a fan, either. Here is a list of teams that would have been competing in the Western Conference play-in tournament a few weeks ago.
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Dallas Mavericks
- Portland Trail Blazers
- San Antonio Spurs
The Memphis Grizzlies could have tougher competition with the way things have played out
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, things haven’t gotten any easier as the NBA Playoffs have approached. For starters, the teams that were fighting with the Grizzlies for a locked-in playoff spot all improved drastically, while other teams in the Western Conference struggled down the stretch.
Take the Dallas Mavericks, for example. They’re currently fighting for the 6th seed but have been playing incredible basketball ever since Luka Doncic hit a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired against the Grizz.
And because of their success, paired with a handful of injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers are at risk of finding themselves in the play-in. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing significant time over the past month, the Lakers have dropped into the 7th seed.
For the Grizzlies, this is awful news. As things stand, these are the teams in the play-in tournament.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
8. Golden State Warriors
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. San Antonio Spurs
Based on the current standings, this would mean that the Grizzlies would have to beat the Spurs and then continue to win a game against either the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers. This is the worst-case scenario for the 2021 play-in. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they are forced to play two of the best teams in the game to reach the NBA Playoffs.
Memphis will hope that the Lakers continue to win, sending themselves into the playoffs and shooting a Portland Trail Blazers team that they are capable of beating down into the play-in.