The Grizzlies announced earlier this Thursday morning that Steven Adams will be out for at least the rest of the regular season. Can they overcome adversity and keep their place in the standings?
With each passing day, the Grizzlies’ season only seems to get more and more difficult. The team announced today that Steven Adams received a stem cell injection in his injured knee, meaning he clearly is not recovering the way they had hoped. He will now be re-evaluated in four weeks, ending his chances of returning for the regular season. He could return for the playoffs, but this is a blow the team may not be able to afford.
After their most recent loss to the Lakers, the Grizzlies are just 10-12 without their man in the middle. It’s become very clear how important Adams was on both ends of the floor for them, controlling the boards and helping their half-court offense with screens and his high basketball IQ. His leadership on the floor is clearly missed as well, even with his trying to help while recovering. If he won’t be returning, do the Grizzlies have any chance of keeping their spot in the Western Conference standings?
Grizzlies remaining stars must step up now that Steven Adams can’t save them
The Grizzlies have been in either first or second place for essentially the entire season, but their latest loss has them in a tie with the surging Kings. Right behind them is the new and improved Suns, who have looked fantastic since the break, even before Kevin Durant returned. With Steven Adams out, it seems to no longer be a question of if, but when, teams will begin passing them in the standings.
Even if Ja Morant returns to the team at some point before the season ends, the only way for the Grizzlies to remain competitive is for their remaining stars to ball out. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr specifically have to be the focal point, and they have upped their production to start the month of March. However, it hasn’t translated into victories as they are 1-3 to start the month.
It will take far more than a few extra points or an extra rebound or block to get them through the rest of the season. They will need a few monster games from both of them if they want to be in a good spot come playoff time. With only seven games separating the two and ten seeds as of today, the Grizzlies are not guaranteed anything. If they only manage around 45 wins, they could even end up needing to go through the play-in just to make the playoffs. Let’s see if their remaining roster has what it takes to make it happen.