NBA: 4 Teams whose stock is trending upward, 5 whose is falling quickly

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 18: Kevin Durant #35 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 18: Kevin Durant #35 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies Marcus Smart (Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports) /

Memphis Grizzlies: Trending downward

In what has become one of the biggest surprises of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies have the worst record in the NBA. With Ja Morant sidelined due to suspension, the Grizzlies haven’t been able to remain afloat. The acquisition of Marcus Smart hasn’t played out as well as Memphis believed that it would (especially in the absence of Morant), and the Grizzlies are in major trouble of falling behind the 8-ball in the Western Conference.

As one would expect, the Grizzlies have struggled mightily on the offensive end of the floor without Morant. They lack the natural playmaker that Morant is and miss another primary scorer beyond Desmond Bane. The problem is that I’m not sure the Grizzlies can survive another 19 games without Morant with the way the team is trending.

After taking a bit of a step back last season, it appears that the Grizzlies are on the same path this year. But the silver lining is that we don’t really know what this team is until Morant returns. Hopefully, it’s not too late when that day comes.