Playoff Picture: Memphis Grizzlies

Apr 4, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the game at FedExForum. Los Angeles Clippers beat Memphis Grizzlies 97-79. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the game at FedExForum. Los Angeles Clippers beat Memphis Grizzlies 97-79. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Verdict

It’s not that I’m fed up with the Grizzlies, far from it. They’re not always the most fun to watch, but they’ve got an old school feel and a set way of doing things. In terms of how far they go though, it’s all about matchups at this point. The Portland Trail Blazers and their collapsing defense would be destroyed by these guys.

They would also make pretty light work of the Dallas Mavericks, and I see them being a matchup nightmare for the Houston Rockets as well. They’ll make it to the second round, unless they draw the white-hot San Antonio Spurs in round one. That’ll be as far as they get though.

A matchup with Houston at any point in the playoffs would be fascinating, as I think this team could beat James Harden and his motley crew. If that’s the case, they could make the conference finals again. But stick me down for a round two exit.

They’ll be back again next year though, and with the right mix of core guys and new blood, have the potential to go a couple of steps forward as well. The windows as contenders remains open.

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