NBA Restart: How reworked rosters will shape the Western Conference

9th: Memphis Grizzlies (↓1)

The obvious standout from the Memphis Grizzlies this season has been Ja Morant, the athletic guard out of Murray State and on pace to secure the coveted Rookie of the Year. Morant led the pack of rookies with 17.6 points while adding 6.9 assists per game.

The Griz has no shortage of young talent, bolstered by the frontcourt tandem of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke. Both player were sidelined with an injury as the season stopped, but the break allowed for the two to get healthy and back to the lineup. The duo played a key role on the glass for Memphis this season, averaging 10.5 boards each game between the pair and tacking on 28.9 points.

Veteran Justise Winslow will sit out for restart, still nursing a hip injury from earlier in the year. Alongside Winslow, backup point guard Tyus Jones will miss the first week of seeding games with knee soreness.

With the offseason approaching, the Memphis front office is expected to re-sign veteran Anthony Tolliver, who may prove crucial for this young team going into the playoffs.

With the restart looming and five teams chomping at the bit to claim the final spot, the Grizzlies are going to need to step up and cannot afford to take any nights off. If this lineup can keep up the chemistry they’ve built all season, Memphis may prove to be a tough opponent in the bubble.