NBA Power Rankings 18: A new top team as the playoffs approach

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team. 211. . 30-28. Previous: 12th. Memphis Grizzlies. 14

Last Week: Lost/2OT to Denver Nuggets 139-137, Lost to LA Clippers 117-105, Beat Portland Trail Blazers 130-128

This Week: 4/25 at Portland Trail Blazers, 4/26 at Denver Nuggets, 4/28 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 4/30 vs. Orlando Magic, 5/1 at Orlando Magic

For the first time in forever, the Memphis Grizzlies are getting closer to being whole. Jaren Jackson Jr. returned to the court in the loss against the LA Clippers, finally given Ja Morant a real secondary scoring threat that he can rely on. Then, against the Portland Trail Blazers, Morant showed he could sometimes be relied on to take care of business for himself, erupting for 33 points, 13 assists and five rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a close victory.

Jackson was solid in his return this week. In two games he averaged 19.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in just 21.4 minutes per game. He will need some time to be brought along, having not played basketball in nearly a calendar year, but the early returns are promising. The vision for the Grizzlies falls into place with Jackson back on the court.

The week for Morant and Dillon Brooks is indicative of how much Jackson’s return helps. Morant averaged 30.3. points 9.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game this week. Brooks came in at 16.5 points per game on shooting splits of .467/.444/1.00. Writing off Justice Winslow, the Memphis Grizzlies are finally whole and have a few weeks to get on the same page before their playoff debut.