The Memphis Grizzlies need eight wins in their last 14 games to secure a berth in the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2005-06 season.
Memphis is currently the eighth seed in the NBA’s Western Conference with a one-and-a-half-game lead over the Utah Jazz. The Grizzlies are two-and-a-half games ahead of Houston and three games in front of the Phoenix Suns.
With their 37-31 record, eight more victories should put the Grizzlies comfortably in the playoffs. But getting those eight wins is going to be tough, given that Memphis has games left against the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Utah, New Orleans Hornets (twice) and Portland.
Despite being without an injured Rudy Gay for the past month, Memphis has gone 6-5 playing one of the most difficult portions of their schedule. Gay is expected to miss at least two more weeks, meaning he should be back in time for the Grizzlies last seven games.
With Utah at 36-33, the Jazz would have to win nine of their last 13 games to match Memphis’ 45 victories, and considering their schedule that’s a rather tall order.
In their last 13 games, Utah will play 10 games against teams with winning records including the Los Angeles Lakers (twice), New Orleans Hornets (twice), Oklahoma City, Denver, San Antonio, Portland, Memphis and Dallas.
Houston is currently 35-34 with 13 games left and would have to finish 10-3 to catch the Grizzlies. Houston has eight games remaining against teams with winning records, including Boston, Utah, Miami, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Atlanta, New Orleans and Dallas.
Phoenix is currently 33-33 with 16 games left on their schedule. The Suns would have to finish 12-4 to match the Grizzlies 45 wins, and like Utah, their remaining schedule is very difficult.
Nine of the Suns final 17 games are against teams with winning records. Phoenix has to face the Lakers, Spurs (twice), Mavericks (twice), Hornets (twice), the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City.
The Grizzlies aren’t assured of anything and will have to earn the last playoff spot in the west, but given the Jazz, Suns and Rockets have equally difficult paths to travel, it’s hard not to like Memphis’ chances.
