3 questions the Grizzlies must answer after the All-Star break

The Grizzlies have no games left to play before the All-Star break officially kicks off. Given what we have seen so far, what things must they show down the stretch of the season? 

The Grizzlies finished the first half of their season in a positive fashion, defeating the Utah Jazz Wednesday night 117-111. Now that they are off until the All-Star break, it’s a good time to look ahead at what they need to get back on track after a rough few weeks. Including their loss against the Lakers that ended their 11-game win streak, the Grizzlies are 4-9 over their last 13 games.

That is unacceptable for a team that at one point was tied for first place in the Western Conference. There are plenty of reasons as to why their level of play has fallen off, but three in particular have to be figured out after the break. If not, a deep playoff run might as well be a dream.

Can Grizzlies get, and stay, healthy?

Injuries are nothing new to the Grizzlies, but it doesn’t mean they can continue to overcome them as they have in the past. They not only survived but thrived last year despite Ja Morant missing 25 games and Dillon Brooks missing 50. This year was no different through their first 40-ish games, with Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane both missing several weeks of the season.

They overcame those injuries every time, until their most recent one. Steven Adams has missed the past 11 games, with the Grizzlies going just 4-7. Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr may be the team’s best players, but Adams is the pillar that holds the team together. His rebounding and basketball IQ are invaluable to such a young roster. Until he gets back, I won’t be surprised to see them continue to underperform.