NBA Power Rankings: Can anyone beat the healthy Nets; Bubble Heat back?

18. Memphis Grizzlies

heading into the playoffs, the Memphis grizzlies are almost exactly the same position as they were at the end of last season. They’re fighting for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference but will be facing an optical battle as they’ll have to beat the went two games to make the playoffs.

Now, there are questions regarding this team’s future and reports that they perhaps might not feel as strongly about Jaron Jackson Jr. as many thought before the season. This could end up being an interesting offseason for the Grizzlies.

17. Washington Wizards

Credit to the Washington Wizards, who have managed to turn their season around over the last few weeks. Russell Westbrook has taken his game to the next level and continues to defy the odds as he simply looks better and better as the season has gone on. Even though Bradley Beal has been injured for the last week or so, you can’t deny the impact that he’s had on this team.

Especially in a small game sample size, if Beal is healthy in the play-in tournament, it’s going to be hard to pick against this team. The Wizards could get hot and still sneak into the playoffs as the 8th seed.