Memphis Grizzlies playoff outlook
The buildup for the playoffs started when the Memphis Grizzlies clinched the No. 2 seed two weeks ago. The biggest topic since then was Ja Morant's health, and now that he's back in the lineup, it's showtime after one of the two most successful regular season in franchise history.
The Grizzlies tied their franchise record with 56 wins and broke a handful of other records: An 11-game win streak from Dec. 26 through Jan. 13 was the moment things shifted. Since then, Desmond Bane (3-pointers), Jaren Jackson Jr. (blocks) and Steven Adams (offensive rebounds) each set singleseason Grizzlies records.
Now the attention shifts to the playoffs. The Western Conference is loaded with strong competition. With the second-best record in the NBA, behind only the Phoenix Suns (64-18), the Grizzlies (56-26) are guaranteed homecourt advantage through at least the first two rounds.
The Grizzlies will have to take down many of the game's stars to reach their goal, but they've done that most of the season.
“It's awesome to know over the last couple of weeks, especially now since we're getting closer to the playoffs starting, everyone is just ramping up their intensity,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “I feel it when I'm out and about with my family. You see it on the billboards, people's front yards, the gear people are wearing. This is the best time of the year.”
Here's an early playoff outlook:
Who’s next
The Grizzlies will face the winner of Tuesday's Play-in Tournament game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36) and Los Angeles Clippers (4220). Even though Minnesota has struggled lately, it has two wins against the Grizzlies. The Clippers haven't been as strong, but they just returned Paul George and Norman Powell, which gives them arguably their two best healthy scorers.
“I really don't care who we play,” Morant said. “I'm focused on us, (and) getting better during that week stretch. No matter who it is, we go into the games the same way.”
If Memphis wins in the first round, it will face the Golden State Warriors or Denver Nuggets. The Grizzlies are a combined 6-2 against the Warriors and Nuggets this season.
Based on regular season record, this is a favorable path. The Dallas Mavericks went 3-1 against the Grizzlies, but as the No. 4 seed, they wouldn't meet until at least the Western Conference Finals. If the Grizzlies make the Western Conference Finals, it would only be the second appearance in franchise history.
“We obviously haven't been fully healthy over the last couple of weeks, but I think the spirit of the team is in a really good spot, the competitiveness every single night is in a really good
spot,” Jenkins said.
What to watch for
Memphis has one of the best benches in the NBA, but rotations get shorter in the playoffs. Coaches who hold on to regular season rotations are often punished, which creates a bit of a dilemma for Jenkins. Ask Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, who Jenkins worked with in Milwaukee. Budenholzer didn’t consistently play shorter rotations in the playoffs until last season, when the Bucks won the title.
Jenkins has 11 players who have gotten consistent playing time, and his rotations often go 10 deep. Jenkins has already indicated that Morant’s playoff minutes will look different than the 33.1 he’s averaged. Morant totaled 40.6 minutes per game last postseason.
Tyus Jones, De’anthony Melton and Ziaire Williams will likely be fighting for bench minutes, but Jenkins will likely change his rotations based on feel for each game. Kyle Anderson and Brandon Clarke should continue to anchor the backup frontcourt slots.
“We’ve dealt with this all season long, trying to get guys acclimated,” Jenkins said. “Trying to get guys playing with each other as much as possible is important, but luckily our guys have done a great job playing with mismatch lineups all season long.”
Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc