Grizzlies Rise in Power Rankings Amidst Injury Challenges
The Memphis Grizzlies have been navigating a challenging season, yet recent performances have injected a sense of optimism into their campaign. Following back-to-back victories, the team has climbed two spots in the latest NBA power rankings by a prominent writer, landing at No. 22 after previously sitting at No. 24.
Navigating Injury Woes
Ja Morant’s absence has been a significant hurdle for the Grizzlies; he has played just six minutes over the last five games due to injury. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. has also been sidelined, missing the last two games with an ankle issue. Despite these setbacks, the Grizzlies managed to secure wins against struggling Western Conference rivals, the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.
The writer noted, “The Grizzlies have been without Ja Morant for all but six minutes of the last five games, and Jaren Jackson Jr. has missed the last two. But they won them both, taking advantage of a couple of other Western Conference teams near the bottom of the standings.”
Opportunities on the Horizon
As the Grizzlies prepare for a pivotal four-game road trip beginning Wednesday, they have reason to believe that more victories are within reach. This trip will take them through New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, where they have demonstrated competence against teams with losing records. The Grizzlies boast an impressive 4-0 record against the other six Western Conference teams currently struggling.
Emerging Strengths with Edey
One of the silver linings during this tumultuous stretch has been the return of starting center Zach Edey. Over the past four games, Edey has contributed to a notable turnaround in the Grizzlies’ performance, with the team outscoring opponents by an impressive 17.4 points per 100 possessions during his time on the court.
The team has excelled on the boards, grabbing an impressive 57.8% of available rebounds with Edey on the floor, a stark contrast to the 49.6% rate when he is off the court. This rebounding prowess has translated into significant scoring opportunities, as the Grizzlies have outscored their opponents by a staggering 54 points (73-19) on second-chance opportunities over the last three games.
Upcoming Challenges
In the coming week, the Grizzlies will face a tough challenge against the Denver Nuggets and the New Orleans Pelicans, followed by an NBA Cup matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Black Friday. Their week wraps up with a road game against the Kings, where they will look to continue building momentum.
As the Grizzlies navigate their way through injuries and tough matchups, their recent rise in the power rankings serves as a testament to their resilience and potential for growth. With a healthier roster on the horizon, Memphis fans are hopeful for a sustained turnaround.
