Heading into the Play-In Tournament, the Grizzlies needed at least one of the Suns or Magic to miss the playoffs to pick up another lottery pick. A few days ago, the dream was not looking very likely for Grizzlies fans. But the Grizzlies could suddenly end up becoming one of the biggest winners of the Play-In Tournament despite not playing in it.
Former fan favorites in Memphis, Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane, are each integral pieces to the Suns and Magic teams the Grizzlies need to see lose. While both had strong performances for their respective teams, it wasn't enough as the Suns and Magic lost their first Play-In Tournament games.
Now both teams face elimination on Friday night as the Magic host the Hornets and the Suns host the Warriors. Both games will be worth watching for Grizzlies fans and could lead to the dream outcome Grizzlies fans want for this year's draft, which is having two lottery picks.
The stakes for the Grizzlies tomorrow night are clear
The Grizzlies went a disappointing 25-57 and ended up trading fan favorite Jaren Jackson Jr., signaling their full commitment to a rebuild. The silver lining is that the Grizzlies have top 6 lottery odds and should likely pick top 8 in this loaded 2026 NBA Draft. Beyond their own pick, the Grizzlies also received a 2026 first from the Orlando Magic in the Desmond Bane trade, which has swap rights with the Phoenix Suns.
With the Suns and Magic already losing their 7th-seed versus 8th-seed matchups, the pick now won't fall below 16th overall. Even if the worst-case scenario happens and the Suns and Magic both win their next game, the Grizzlies can still land a great player at 16th overall. However, the pick can be even better for the Grizzlies and realistically end up in the lottery depending on tomorrow night's results.
The Grizzlies will end up receiving a lottery pick if at least one of Phoenix or Orlando loses. If both teams lose, the Grizzlies will still get the better pick of either team unless the Suns pick higher than the Wizards this summer. Grizzlies fans are one step closer to seeing their dream of the team having two lottery picks in this year's stacked draft.
The 2026 NBA Draft could be franchise-saving for rebuilding Grizzlies
With the Grizzlies starting their rebuild and still having to resolve Ja Morant's future this summer, the team will need the NBA Draft lottery to go their way. Getting another lottery pick would not just boost the team's top 5 odds but also increase their odds at the #1 overall pick. The dream scenario would be for the Grizzlies to get lucky enough to land one of the top 3 talents in Cam Boozer, Darryn Peterson, or AJ Dybantsa.
However, other quality players outside the top 3, such as Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler, could really transform the Grizzlies. Current players such as GG Jackson II, Cedric Coward, and Zach Edey should make the Grizzlies' next generation much more promising, but the 2026 NBA Draft can really help the team round out a great young core.
The Grizzlies are already in great shape for a loaded 2026 NBA Draft, but a Suns or Magic loss on Friday night would make the Grizzlies one of the biggest winners of the Play-In Tournament without playing in it.
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