|
Welcome back to your Grizzlies Insider, where the season has begun and we deliver the latest NBA news and analysis straight to your inbox twice a week.
Make that nine wins in 10 games for the Grizzlies, who are one of the hottest teams in the NBA at the moment.
Memphis currently sits in fourth place in the Western Conference standings, two games ahead of the foes in Los Angeles rounding out the top six. They’ve already come a long way.
With each win, the Grizzlies inch a little bit closer to their preseason goal of returning to the playoffs. That was not always a given, at least according to the computers at TeamRankings.com.
The model at the sports analytics website gave Ja Morant and company a 52% chance of returning to the playoffs during the preseason. After an 18-11 start, those chances have now increased all the way to 95%.
Their preseason projected record (rounded up): 41-41.
Their projected record now: 46-36.
While it’s certainly too early to crown Memphis as first-time Southwest Division champions, the odds of winning that honor have now increased to more than 70%. The Grizzlies will face the third-easiest schedule the rest of the way, according to win percentage.
So rejoice if you want, Memphis fans, although the job isn’t finished. This #NxtGen group of Grizzlies is barreling towards the playoffs once again thanks to a revitalized defense.
“Offense, that gets you to the playoffs,” Memphis guard Dillon Brooks said. “But defense, that wins you championships. We are going to figure it out.”
More from your Insider:
Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane delivered in the final quarter as the Grizzlies held on to win their ninth in 10 games.
The Grizzlies guard’s résumé fits the criteria for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. But who are his challengers?
Kyle Anderson and Tyus Jones have shown their value when the Grizzlies needed to plug holes.
The Grizzlies’ defense holds Philadelphia to 18% shooting from 3-point range and 45% from the floor.
..... |
