NBA Pretender or Contender: Bucks look legit; Celtics, Grizzlies fading?

Milwaukee Bucks (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
Milwaukee Bucks (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA
NBA Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are one team that I really don’t have a handle on heading into the NBA Playoffs. Even though Ja Morant is back, I still don’t know what to expect from the Grizzlies even in the first round of the playoffs. Especially if they end up facing off against a team like the Los Angeles Lakers.

With how hot and cold the Grizzlies have been this season, you honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see Memphis lose in the first round or make a deep playoff run. And they have a talented roster. Morant is a player that can take over a playoff series and that could go a long way for a team like the Grizzlies, who are likely going to be doubted heading into the playoffs. Especially with all the noise (and drama surrounding Morant) that has surrounded this team recently.

In the end, I still believe that the Grizzlies are a player or two away from being a true contender in the Western Conference. Could they make a deep run, sure? Do I expect them to do so, probably not? But this is still a team that is heading in the right direction.

Verdict: Pretender