After going 3-1 in their four games last week, the Grizzlies find themselves with a 7-4 record before playing the Los Angeles Lakers for the second time this season this Wednesday night. The Grizzlies began last week with a two-point loss at the Brooklyn Nets, completing the season series against them with the Nets winning both games.
After their disappointing finish in Brooklyn, the Grizzlies defeated the Lakers 131-114 to begin a three-game winning streak that saw them beat the Washington Wizards 128-104 before defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 134-89 last night. The three blowout victories helped the Grizzlies move up in the NBA's power rankings this week from 11 into the top 10.
Where the Grizzlies are ranked in the top 10
The Grizzlies begin the NBA's fourth week of the regular season at the number eight spot in the new power rankings. They moved ahead of their fellow Western Conference contenders, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers but still sit behind the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.
Last week, the NBA Power rankings commended the pairing of Ja Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. sharing the court in two-point guard lineups that helped them achieve success in their victories over the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers the week prior. Also, the team's paint dominance was discussed and continues to be the team's calling card.
This week, mention of the Grizzlies' schedule was brought up as they have played the NBA's easiest schedule to this point in the season. However, the injuries the Grizzlies have endured, with their most-used lineup only playing 34 total minutes this season, was discussed as the benefit of an easier schedule has helped them overcome their injuries.
The unexpected slow starts from the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks have highly contributed to the Grizzlies' schedule being among the easiest but playing teams like the Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers adds to it. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been better than advertised this season after his high usage rate and low-efficiency last season.
He is taking on a similar role as last season with the injuries to Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart once again but is more productive this time with a deeper and more talented team around him. Also, it has helped that Ja Morant has been more available than not through the team's first 11 games.
Marcus Smart upgraded to doubtful https://t.co/AT3LVdzkEH
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) November 10, 2024
The Grizzlies schedule will get tougher and players will return as soon as this week with upcoming games against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, and two games against the Denver Nuggets early next week. Marcus Smart looks to be on track to return this week and will soon be followed by Vince Williams Jr., Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart.