The 2021-22 NBA season is just around the corner and ESPN has released its latest projections for the Memphis Grizzlies and the rest of the NBA for next season.
The projections list the win/loss total for every team around the NBA. Somewhat surprisingly, the NBA Insiders for ESPN expect the Utah Jazz to maintain their success as the best team in the Western Conference with a predicted finish of 55-27.
So, where do the experts predict the Memphis Grizzlies finish after the 2021-22 NBA season?
ESPN predicts a record of 42-20 and a ninth-place finish in the Western Conference. This means the Grizzlies will have an opportunity to return to the Play-In tournament for the third straight season.
"“Having traded starting center Jonas Valanciunas for Steven Adams and added few other short-term contributors to the roster, the Grizzlies are forecast to decline in terms of winning percentage form their 38-34 record in 2020-21 despite getting a healthy Jaren Jackson Jr. to star the season.” – Kevin Pelton, ESPN NBA Insider"
The ESPN insiders predict a Play-In tournament of No.9 Memphis Grizzlies vs No. 10 New Orleans Pelicans playing the winner of No. 7 LA Clippers vs No. 8 Portland Trailblazers.
The Memphis Grizzlies will be playing with at least seven new faces once rosters are finalized after training camp. It’ll take some time for the returning players to find chemistry with so many new players.
Ja Morant will be looking to make a leap in year three. If he can develop a consistent three-point shot, he’ll increase his scoring totals and be a contender for the 2021-22 NBA All-Star Game.
The team will also be watching the development of Jaren Jackson Jr. closely, hoping he can remain injury-free and play a full NBA season.
The Memphis Grizzlies also have a few players who are in the final year of their contracts, which could make for an active trade deadline.
If Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are healthy throughout the season, expect ESPN’s NBA prediction to come true and a return to the annual Play-In game for the Memphis Grizzlies.