Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant says the NBA's play-in format for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference is unfair to Memphis.
However, Morant claims the Grizzlies are ready for the seeding games to start so they can continue to play with a “chip” on their shoulder:
“I just feel like it's an extra chip,” Ja Morant said when asked if the format could provide the Grizzlies with a chip on their shoulder, via ESPN. “You know — more fuel to the fire, more motivation for us.
“Coming into the season, I think we were projected to be 29th, and look at us now. So we just use that as fuel, continue to work. We're all very hungry. We know what we're capable of. Just go out and play.”
The Grizzlies hold a 3.5-game lead over three teams in the West for the eighth and final playoff spot. However, in the NBA's bubble format, Memphis would have to be 4.5 games ahead when the eight seeding games are complete to avoid a play-in game or games to determine the eighth and last playoff team out West.
Three of the Grizzlies' eight seeding games will be against the other West teams fighting for the last playoff spot. Memphis will face the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks in the seeding games.
Morant, who is expected to win Rookie of the Year, is averaging 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game on the season for the Grizzlies in 59 starts.
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