Realistic expectations for the Grizzlies in the 2024-25 NBA season

Expectations for any team's fanbase can become unrealistic, especially before the season begins when everyone has a record of 0-0. The Grizzlies had mildly high expectations going into last season after a successful preseason, although Ja Morant was suspended for the first 25 games of the season.

What followed was an unexpected rash of injuries that made NBA history in what was a disappointing season for the team and fanbase. With Ja Morant healthy and ready to go from day one this season, the Grizzlies are looking to become the contenders they expected to be when he returned from suspension last season.

What is realistic for the Grizzlies this season can vary from the top of the west standings to a play-in team due to how close the talent level is within the Western Conference.

Realistic Expectation: Top-6 finish in the West

Finishing in the top six of the conference is a win, simply because it avoids being in the play-in tournament. With the top of the west figuring to consist of some order of Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Denver, Phoenix, and last season's Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks, one spot is open for the Grizzlies to take.

The case to be made for any of those teams not finishing in the top six is realistic too. Can the Oklahoma City Thunder handle being the haunted team after last season's number-one seed finish? Can the Minnesota Timberwolves continue their dominance after trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo? Can the Denver Nuggets overcome the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and rely on their young guys and Russell Westbrook for bench production?

Can the Dallas Mavericks repeat last season's postseason run by finishing higher than fifth in the regular season after adding Klay Thompson? Can the Phoenix Suns make the trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal work in their second season together? The list goes on for every team that can contend for the West's top six.

Other teams outside of the Grizzlies to contend for a playoff spot include last season's play-in tournament participants, the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors. Others include the up-and-coming Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and the reeling Los Angeles Clippers.

The talent and depth of the Grizzlies should be good enough to finish in the top four to get home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. However, due to the level of injuries the team has already suffered to some of their depth pieces before the season has started, finishing in the top-six is realistic for this team and means they have a chance at competing to be the best in the west come playoff time.