NBA: Way-too-early Western Conference playoff predictions

Way-too-early NBA Western Conference playoff predictions

DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Donatas Motiejunas #12 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for a lay up against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 27: Mike Conley #11 talks with JaMychal Green #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Robbins/NBAE via Getty Images)

7. Memphis Grizzlies

I know, I know, the Grizzlies didn’t do much this offseason. In recent history, they’ve always found ways to squeak into the playoffs. I predict that they will do the same thing this year. I kind of want it to happen also, doesn’t everyone want more David Fizdale rants?

Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup:

PG: Mike Conley

SG: Tony Allen

SF: Chandler Parsons

PF: JaMychal Green

C: Marc Gasol

They drafted Ivan Rabb and Dillon Brooks this year, and lost Zach Randolph to the Kings. However, I believe that they have one thing that many teams in the NBA can’t help with: great defense.

The Grizzlies have been one of the better defensive teams in the NBA for a long while now, and that shouldn’t change this year. They hung onto Tony Allen, who Kobe Bryant once said was the best defender he ever faced. Marc Gasol should be healthy and ready to go once the season rolls around, and Mike Conley is always ready for a challenge.

I know they aren’t as glamorous as some of the other teams in the West, but they usually get the job done. They get their hands dirty on defense when they need to, and have several offensive weapons. I believe that they can get this spot.

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