With arguably the most surprising and most impressive ascension this season, the pressure heightens for the young Memphis Grizzlies squad in the playoffs. Being in the eighth seed last season put them in a “nothing to lose” situation last year, but they have risen to the second seed in the Western Conference despite the 22 missed games of Ja Morant as of this moment.

Even without Morant, Memphis has found the formula to triumph over any hurdle in front of them. Coach Taylor Jenkins has done a sensational job in preparing his team every night despite the lack of talent or undermanned lineup. The relentlessness and determination to give their 100% every night rubs on their teammates as they are able to topple serious title contenders like the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks without Morant. This will be an intriguing run for the Grizzlies as all the eyeballs will definitely be on them when the playoffs opens in a few weeks.

Memphis Grizzlies 2022 NBA Playoffs – Favorable Matchups

Los Angeles Clippers (3rd)

The only franchise that can legitimately pose a chance of upsetting the Grizzlies in the first round is the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul George just recently returned from his elbow injury, and he looked more impressive than ever. They are ramping him up for playoff action, and it does not seem impossible for them to welcome Norman Powell and more importantly Kawhi Leonard back on the fold as well.

If indeed the Clippers utilize a complete lineup beginning Game 1, this will be a long series for the second seeded Grizzlies. Coach Tyronn Lue would always come prepared especially with a veteran squad as the Clippers would rely on their magnificent defense and superstar prowess of Leonard and George in the hopes of overcoming the Grizzlies.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2nd)

As the most likely opponent among all the three options, this would be an entertaining and highlight-worthy series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Morant and Anthony Edwards would execute these rim-rattling jams in front of the national audience, plus these young studs who are in dire need of playoff experience will both materialize.

Karl Anthony-Towns and Jaren Jackson Jr. would enter the playoffs for the second time in their career. This matchup would be a fabulous one to tune into as Memphis would likely impose their defensive mentality and push the pace a ton against Minnesota. In clutch and close game situations, the Grizzlies are usually able to execute tremendously, but the Timberwolves are sometimes forced to chuck it up from long distance or not even feed Towns the rock at the low block.

New Orleans Pelicans (1st)

Even at the ninth seed, the New Orleans Pelicans could still finish at seventh due to the play-in tournament and Memphis must be excited to challenge this team in a seven-game series. Having no proven star at the biggest stage or emerging when pressure intensifies, the Grizzlies would have an easier route in competing with New Orleans rather than Minnesota or Los Angeles who have proven folks on their lineup.

With Jonas Valanciunas anchoring the paint and the subpar perimeter defense of most of their rotational pieces, Memphis would be on forceful attack every possession and force New Orleans expose their weaknesses defensively. On the other side of the court, Memphis has a Defensive Player of the Year candidate on their roster in Jackson Jr. along with fantastic wing defenders like Desmond Bane and De'Anthony Melton who would force CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram to have a arduous series.

With an average age of over 24, Memphis was not expected to elevate their status, but this 82-game performance is a testament to their excellent team chemistry and commendable selfless attitude. Inexperience could eventually be an issue when playing against the Suns or Golden State Warriors, but a first round series with these three opponents likely gives them a high probability of advancing to the West Semifinals at the very least.