The Memphis Grizzlies were defeated by the Denver Nuggets 117-109. This loss pushed them down the crowded Western Conference standings, and with only one game remaining, they have officially clinched a spot in the play-in tournament. The Grizzlies hold a 47-34 record and are the eighth seed. If they win their final game and some tiebreakers fall their way, Memphis could move up to the seventh seed but would still need to win a play-in game to officially advance to the playoffs. The Memphis Grizzlies’ seeding and opponent will be determined after Sunday’s final slate of games.
The Memphis Grizzlies In the Play-In
For a team like the Memphis Grizzlies, the play-in tournament was something they wanted to avoid. The play-in means that playoffs aren’t guaranteed, meaning a team with 47 wins could get eliminated by a team with a losing record. But the Grizzlies have arguably put themselves in this situation. They have lost their last two games to the Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In their 117-109 loss in Denver, Memphis had the lead for most of the game. It was a back-and-forth affair, but after a 35-point first quarter, they had the advantage coming down the stretch. But the Nuggets stormed back in the fourth quarter.
With six minutes left, the Memphis Grizzlies led 108-103. Over the next five minutes, Denver went on a 13-0 run. The Grizzlies scored only one point in the final six minutes of the game. Nikola Jokic finished with a triple-double of 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 13 assists. Aaron Gordon scored 33 points. It was a collapse in the final stretch, which has been emblematic of the Grizzlies over recent weeks.
Despite their talented team and record, the Memphis Grizzlies have fallen in the latter half of the season. For much of the year, they battled for the No. 2 seed with the Rockets and Nuggets. Now, they are in the play-in. Since the All-Star break, they have lost more games, leading to the firing of Head Coach Taylor Jenkins. The coaching change has gotten Ja Morant more involved in the offense after Jenkins wanted to play through Jaren Jackson Jr, but the team has still suffered from the same problems. They have struggled against other top teams, and it may cost them.
Play-In Scenarios
There is only one day of games left in the NBA season, and four other teams could fall to the play-in with the Memphis Grizzlies. These teams are the Nuggets, the Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Golden State Warriors. Memphis plays the Mavericks in their final game and could move up to the seventh seed if they win and tiebreakers fall their way. The Nuggets face the Rockets, who may be resting their starters since they have already clinched the two seed. The Timberwolves play the Jazz, and the Clippers and Warriors play each other. So, if Denver and Minnesota win, the Grizzlies would face the loser of the Clippers-Warriors game.
If Denver loses, and Minnesota and Golden State win, the Nuggets will fall to the play-in. If the Timberwolves lose, they will be in the play-in and could drop to the eighth seed if the Memphis Grizzlies win. The loser of the Clippers and Warriors matchup will be in the play-in if the Nuggets and Timberwolves win. There are many scenarios and tiebreakers, so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Final Thoughts
The Memphis Grizzlies have clinched a spot in the play-in tournament. While their opponent is not yet determined, they will have to win a game to make the playoffs no matter what. If they win the 7 vs 8 game, they will play the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. If they lose, they will need to win against the Mavericks or the Kings to make the playoffs as the eighth seed.
