NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 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: 17th. Memphis Grizzlies. 21. team. 211. . 10-11

Last Week: Lost to Toronto Raptors 128-113, Beat Charlotte Hornets 130-114, Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 115-105

This Week: 2/14 at Sacramento Kings, 2/16 vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 2/17 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 2/19 vs. Detroit Pistons, 2/20 vs. Phoenix Suns

If not for a nuclear display from long range against the Charlotte Hornets (23 made 3-pointers), the Memphis Grizzlies would be coming out of this week in a world of hurt. They lost to the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers each by double-figures and are starting to show some of the growing pains that come for a young team that is continuing to miss two of their projected starters this far into the season.

Desmond Bane has looked good since jumping into the starting lineup and Ja Morant has benefited from having a knockdown shooter in the lineup with him. The offense has not been the problem for the Memphis Grizzlies. As is to be expected, defense is not exactly their strength at this point. In the month of February the Grizzlies are in the bottom-five of defensive rating.

The week ahead will determine plenty about the direction the Grizzlies should take for the rest of the year. They will play five games in seven days, four of which are against teams in their level of contention or lower. Racking up some wins will keep them in the playoff race and solidify their resolves. Should they continue to struggle, considering selling off a veteran or two to tank into another top lottery pick may be around the corner.