Can Grizzlies stop struggling mightily away from Memphis?
The Grizzlies’ 4-9 record since their winning streak ended has another major concern within it: a 0-7 record away from home. Their 4-2 record in Memphis is pretty normal for them, as they are 24-5 at home. They were a respectable 11-10 on the road prior to their current 0-7 streak, and it’s mostly due to a drop in defensive performance. They have given up an average of 121 points in those seven games compared to their overall average of 112.2.
The offense has not been spectacular either, but not so bad that they should have lost every game. The Grizzlies not being as good on the road as they are at home is not a problem unique to them, but the difference is much more pronounced compared to the other top teams in the NBA. It is often said that being able to steal a road win in a playoff series is crucial even if you have a home-court advantage. As things stand, the Grizzlies don’t look like a team that can do that.
If the Grizzlies can find an answer to all these questions after the break, they will still have a chance to make noise in a crowded West. They still are the number two seed despite these issues, and the teams who made big moves at the deadline will take time to mesh. A deep playoff run is still very much in play if the Grizzlies push the right buttons.