How the hiatus affects all 30 NBA teams

Memphis Grizzlies: Helping preserve the 8-seed

The standings show the Memphis Grizzlies held a 3.5-game lead over the next-closest team(s) for the 8-seed out West, but with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke sidelined by injury and a brutal remaining schedule, it really was anyone’s race for that final playoff spot.

There was considerable buzz about the New Orleans Pelicans sweeping in thanks to Zion Williamson and a favorable remaining schedule, and any Portland Trail Blazers team with Damian Lillard and a healthy Jusuf Nurkic couldn’t be counted out.

But with Jackson, Clarke and possibly even new acquisition Justise Winslow on the court, the Grizz have got to like their chances of shocking the world with a playoff berth in Ja Morant‘s rookie season. All the time off slows their competitor’s momentum in the race for the 8-seed, and barring rust, a recharged Memphis squad should be the favorite to hang onto that spot.