As the NBA gears up for the 2024-25 season, the Western Conference is set to be highly competitive, with only eight teams securing playoff spots. The Memphis Grizzlies, coming off a disappointing 27-win season after back-to-back 50+ win campaigns, are among the teams vying for a postseason berth.
Optimism is high for the Grizzlies this season. With Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane all expected to be healthy, the team’s core is intact. Additionally, the supporting cast remains strong, bolstered by the addition of Zach Edey, the ninth pick in the NBA Draft, who could address a key need at the center position.
Despite the optimism about the Grizzlies’ potential bounce-back season, ESPN’s latest NBA forecast presents a tougher outlook. According to ESPN’s preseason predictions, the Grizzlies are projected to finish ninth in the Western Conference with a 44-38 record. This would put them in a tie with the Houston Rockets, who are also expected to end with the same record and compete for the 10th and final play-in spot. While this keeps Memphis in the playoff conversation, it falls short of the high expectations many have for the team.
Adding to the challenge, ESPN’s forecast predicts the Los Angeles Lakers finishing just outside the playoffs in 11th place, losing out on the postseason due to tiebreakers against the Rockets and Grizzlies. The forecast indicates an exceptionally tight race in the West, with up to 12 teams potentially finishing with at least 43 wins—a scenario never before seen in NBA history.
If the Grizzlies end up in ninth place, their route to the playoffs would be arduous. They would need to secure a win in a play-in game against the Rockets, followed by another win against the loser of the game between the seventh and eighth seeds—likely the Golden State Warriors or New Orleans Pelicans. Given their recent playoff experiences, a potential matchup against the Warriors would come with significant pressure.
Nonetheless, Memphis is aiming higher, targeting a top-six seed to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a guaranteed playoff spot.
Leave a Reply