Grizzlies Climb the Power Rankings Amid Adversity
The Memphis Grizzlies are currently making headlines in the NBA as they showcase their best performance of the season. This resurgence has not gone unnoticed, prompting a notable rise in the power rankings by NBA.com, where they’ve moved up from No. 19 to No. 18. Writer John Schuhmann noted the team’s recent success, stating, “The Grizzlies continue to beat their fellow residents of the land below .500 and, with a soft schedule, have won seven of their last nine games.”
A Look at Recent Performance
The Grizzlies are capitalizing on a favorable slate of opponents. With two upcoming games against the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers, both teams currently struggling, the Grizzlies have a chance to further improve their record. Schuhmann pointed out that if Memphis continues their winning streak against teams with losing records, they could very well emerge above the .500 mark.
Memphis’s current standing in the league reflects their dominance over weaker teams, with ten of their eleven victories coming against opponents with inferior records. The Grizzlies currently sit ahead of several teams in the rankings, including the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Milwaukee Bucks, among others.
Challenges Ahead
Despite their recent success, the Grizzlies face a significant challenge in proving they can compete with top-tier teams. Schuhmann highlighted that Memphis is among only two teams—alongside the Spurs—that remain unbeaten against the 13 teams with losing records. However, their struggle against teams above .500 is glaring, as they hold a disappointing 1-13 record against such squads. Their lone victory in this category came against the Phoenix Suns in October.
The Grizzlies’ defensive efforts have shown improvement, particularly highlighted by their recent victories over the Clippers and Blazers, where they successfully limited their opponents to under a point per possession. This defensive prowess may be crucial as they prepare for tougher matchups ahead.
Looking Ahead to Ja Morant’s Return
Anticipation looms over the eventual return of star guard Ja Morant, which could shift the team dynamic significantly. However, the Grizzlies must find ways to elevate their play against stronger competition in the interim.
The Grizzlies will be back on the court this week, hosting the Utah Jazz at FedEx Forum on Friday at 7 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it on NBA League Pass.
As the team navigates this critical stretch of the season, the question remains: can they sustain their momentum and rise to the occasion when faced with the league’s elite? Only time will tell.
