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Can the Memphis Grizzlies keep the 8th seed in the Western Conference?

By Lachlan Everett

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during a Sacramento Kings free throw in the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during a Sacramento Kings free throw in the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder: August 7th (4 PM ET)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are an enigma to analyze. Their best lineup is a three-guard unit consisting of Dennis Schroder, Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. NBA writer John Schuhmann illustrated it best here:

"OKC has outscored its opponents by an incredible 28.6 points per 100 possessions in 401 total minutes with the three guards on the floor."

The scary part of that is OKC could run this lineup for more than just crunch time, especially against the Memphis Grizzlies who struggle to defend the perimeter. If Jaren Jackson Jr. can hold down the fort and chase down Danilo Gallinari, who shot 41 percent from three this season, it may mitigate the scoring and playmaking off the team.

Related Story. Grizzlies: The best young core in the NBA?. light

If Jackson Jr. can slow Gallinari, he could possibly switch with Jonas Valanciunas on pick-and-rolls on defense, as Chris Paul has made a career of embarrassing slow-footed centers.

OKC takes a low amount of threes compared to the league at only 29.3 per game which is ranked 27th in the league, but the Grizzlies seem to almost hope that teams jack up threes as they allow the fifth-most attempts from three at 35.1 attempts per game. They can get away with this as they are first in points in the paint on offense and top 10 in pace.

There’s no telling what OKC could do in a playoff setting. With Memphis fighting to secure the eighth seed, the Thunder could go on a run led by Chris Paul and ruin everything.

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