Memphis Grizzlies: Can the Grizzlies keep the West's 8 seed?

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

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 Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images /

Milwaukee Bucks: August 13th (To be determined)

The Milwaukee Bucks were historically dominant this season. When the season stopped the Bucks were 52-12 and that was with losing three games in a row while defending NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was struggling with a knee issue.

Now with what basically was an off-season break Giannis and the Bucks have rested they can come back into the NBA and reign terror on the league like a Mongolian invasion. Despite my pessimism, the Grizzlies played well in their regular-season matchup against the Bucks this season, it was a close game (127-114) considering Ja Morant missed the game due to back soreness.

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Jaren Jackson has 43 points and looked like a bulkier Kevin Durant making nine of his shots from three, and only in 29 minutes. The other main contributor again was Dillon Brooks with 19 points and the only Grizzly with a positive +/- (+1) who when going into this bubble might be an X-Factor in many games for Memphis. The Bucks also had an outstanding game with Giannis having an absurd +26 with 37 points and 11 rebounds with making 3-of-7 from 3-point distance. Other helpers included Khris Middleton had 26 points and Brook Lopez had 10 and 10 with three blocks.

With Morant, the Grizzlies may stand a chance if the Bucks are taking these later games less seriously in preparation for the first round. If the Bucks play with playoff intensity to prepare themselves, Memphis might get so embarrassed they go back to Vancouver to not have to face the shame when returning home.

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