NBA Playoff Contenders and Pretenders

Memphis is perfectly built to last far into the playoffs. Built on tough interior defense led by center Marc Gasol and a surprisingly effective offense guided by point guard Mike Conley, the Grizzlies cruised to the second best record in the Western Conference early this season. However, following the All-Star break and the trade for small forward Jeff Green, the Grizzlies have found their effectiveness wane and has seen hope among Grizz fans melt away.

The Grizzlies aren’t considered one of the leading candidates to challenge deep into the Western Conference playoffs, but the team’s path seems to be clearer that previously considered.

The Memphis Grizzlies must be the happiest fifth seed in recent memory. The team avoided the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, and now go up against the rather beatable Portland Trail Blazers in their first matchup.

It is a matchup that plays right into the Grizzlies’ hands. They can slow down the pace of the ball game and take advantage of a beaten up Trail Blazers team that is missing Wes Matthews, has LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum playing injured and has to deal with Dame Lillard on defense. If they move on to the next round, the team’s suffocating defense will serve them well against their likely opponent, the Golden State Warriors.

If an effective Tony Allen can deny Klay Thompson the ball, Mike Conley can do his best to contain Stephen Curry, and the Grizzlies can slow down the pace of the game, then the Grizzlies can possible draw a series out to six or seven games. The Warriors have struggled somewhat against the Grizzlies during the regular season, and slowing their offense down could be the best chance a team has to knocking them out of the playoffs.

Next: Houston Rockets