Grizzlies’ playoff hopes hinge on one crucial challenge they can’t ignore

The Grizzlies' success this season relies on beating winning teams.
April 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) pictured in the Grizzlies' Game 3 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
April 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) pictured in the Grizzlies' Game 3 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. | Justin Ford/GettyImages

The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a strange season. The Grizzlies went from being one of the best teams in the first half of the season to struggling significantly after the trade deadline. Despite finishing with 48 wins in a competitive Western Conference, the Grizzlies still secured just the eighth seed. There are many areas of improvement the Grizzlies must focus on, but one of their biggest priorities will be to beat more winning teams.

There are some positive takeaways from last season despite a chaotic ending. The Grizzlies were one of the best teams in the league when playing against teams below .500. They finished 34-9 against teams with losing records, the second-best win percentage in the West behind the eventual champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Grizzlies also finished with a winning record on the road at 22-19. Playoff teams in the West, such as the Lakers and Clippers, failed to reach this mark.

Despite a roster retool that included trading away fan-favorite Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies' recent track record of being a dominant force against teams below .500 and a good road team should allow the Grizzlies to stay competitive in a difficult Western Conference. While many factors contributed to the Grizzlies losing momentum, a key reason for the Grizzlies having to compete in the play-in tournament was that they struggled significantly against teams with winning records.

The Grizzlies struggled against most of the best teams last year

The Grizzlies finished with a record of only 14-25 against teams with a .500 record or better. This was the worst record against winning teams for any Western Conference team. The only playoff teams with a worse record against teams .500 or better were the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Both teams also faced quick first-round exits just like the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies were abysmal against the rest of the Western Conference playoff teams in the regular season. The Grizzlies went a combined 6-19 against the top-seven seeds above them, including being swept by the Thunder and Clippers. The only team in the Western Conference that they beat multiple times that finished with a winning record was the Minnesota Timberwolves.

When considering the fact that there was only a four-game difference between the two seed and the eight seed last season, the Grizzlies wasted many opportunities to avoid the play-in by struggling against the best West teams. The Grizzlies fared slightly better against the East's best teams, but it was not enough for the team to avoid a play-in spot. A key difference in the Grizzlies finishing with a play-in spot or having to play in the play-in tournament again this season is how they fare against teams .500 or better, especially in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies are one of the most interesting teams to monitor in the NBA this season. Despite trading Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies' roster is well-balanced, and there is plenty of young talent to be excited about. While the current expectation isn't to be a title contender, the Grizzlies should be a solid team once they reach full strength. However, the Grizzlies must perform better against winning teams if they want to finish top-6 in the Western Conference and potentially set up a deeper playoff run.