Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are among the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, yet continue to fly under the radar. Nevertheless, they get an “A” grade at the midway point from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.
“We expected the Grizzlies to benefit from better health this season. Remarkably, they’re in contention for the No. 2 seed in the West while still ranking second in the league in games missed because of injury or illness,” Pelton wrote. “The trio of Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant has played just 19 games together, yet Memphis has the NBA’s fourth-best point differential.”
Things are about to get tougher, schedule-wise. Can Memphis survive?
“Given the schedule ahead for the Grizzlies, who have the fourth-hardest slate of remaining games according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, merely staying in the West’s top three would be impressive,” Pelton noted.
Thunder
Of course, the most impressive team in all the West has been no less than the Thunder. It’s just been a remarkable season — and story.
“The Thunder have shaken off injuries to centers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who have yet to play together, to outscore opponents by a league-high 12.1 points per game — which would set the best mark in NBA history if they can maintain it,” Pelton wrote. “Seven games up in the West, Oklahoma City could clinch the conference by late March, leaving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s MVP candidacy as the biggest drama remaining in the regular season.”
Nuggets
The Nuggets started fairly slowly, and they could probably still use some help off the bench. But as Pelton noted, they’re suddenly back in the mix.
“Since an 11-10 start, the Nuggets are back among the top four in the West and within striking distance of claiming the No. 2 seed for the second consecutive year,’ Pelton wrote. “Moving Russell Westbrook into the starting lineup has maximized his chemistry with Nikola Jokic.”
It’s been fairly impressive, how the Nuggets have been able to fight through it all and turn themselves back into contenders. Jokic is a massive reason why. Still, there’s always room for improvement.
“Although Denver is predictably last in the NBA in 3-point attempts (the Nuggets were in the bottom five the past two seasons), the team’s 39% accuracy ranks third,” Pelton wrote. “If Denver can sustain that, the Nuggets have a good chance to stay on the other side of the playoff bracket from the West-leading Thunder.”
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