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NBA Power Rankings Week 6: New faces in the top ten

By Jack Simone

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NBA Power Rankings
Nov 15, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles guard Ja Morant (12) and guard Desmond Bane (22) wait for play to resume after a timeout during the second half against the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 21. Memphis Grizzlies (9-10)

Rank last week: 16th

Last week: (1-2) – @ UTA (W), vs. TOR (L), vs. ATL (L)

Offensive rating: 109.0 (11th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 115.9 (30th in NBA)

Defense has been the biggest roadblock that stands in the way of the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite Ja Morant having an amazing season, they just can’t seem to put things together on that end of the floor.

After starting the week off hot with a close win over the Jazz, they followed it up with two losses to the Raptors and the Hawks. They let up 126 and 132 points in those games, respectively.

Morant did have a rough week offensively, but it all starts on the defensive end. On top of that, a scary knee injury (which is thankfully just a sprain) gave Grizzlies fans and Morant a fright.

The bright spot of last week was Desmond Bane. He continues to look amazing for Memphis, and he averaged 19 points on incredible shooting splits last week.

Season outlook: The Grizzlies got way ahead of their rebuild schedule last season when they squeaked into the playoffs. This year, they are chugging along and look like they’ll end up in a similar position – one of the last play-in spots. The play of Morant might be enough to get him there, but they won’t get much further than the first round, if they even get there.