NBA Power Rankings Week 5: How good are the Utah Jazz?

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 21, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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Previous: 16th. Memphis Grizzlies. 14. team. 211. . 7-6

Last Week: Beat Phoenix Suns 108-104, 1/20 at Portland Trail Blazers (POSTPONED), 1/22 at Portland Trail Blazers (POSTPONED)

This Week: 1/24 vs. Sacramento Kings (POSTPONED), 1/25 vs. Sacramento Kings (POSTPONED), 1/27 VS. Chicago Bulls, 1/30 at San Antonio Spurs

The Memphis Grizzlies were rolling before the health and safety protocols came to town, causing four consecutive games (including two next week) to be rescheduled. They have won five in a row and the week started quite positively with Ja Morant back in the lineup already.

After an ugly injury in the first week of the season, the return of Morant was projected to be four to six weeks optimistically. The Memphis Grizzlies weathered the storm nicely and found their franchise star back in the lineup after just three weeks.

The return of Morant would have been enough to see them climb the standings alone but looking at their two wins in this grading period hammers it home. First, they took their shot at the Philadelphia 76ers without Joel Embiid. The headline of the game was the return of Morant but Xavier Tillman was the cherry on top. The rookie came in and had 15 points and is already turning into another late pick who is thriving in his role in Memphis.

Then they took advantage of a Phoenix Suns team coming off of a week off with the rust to prove it. Tillman moved into the starting lineup and was one of seven Grizzlies in double figures. This team is coalescing in front of our eyes. They just need to be cleared to play.