Grizzlies NBA Picks
The Memphis Grizzlies have spent the past few seasons attempting to take the next step from perennial playoff participant to legitimate contender. Although it has seemed at times that the step had officially been taken, most still view this franchise as a notch behind the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunders of the world.
2014-15 Memphis Grizzlies
Western Conference
2013-14 Record: 50-32 (27-14 @ Home) .610
Odds to win Title: 50/1
Odds to win Conference: 25/1
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This year, Memphis looks to finally prove that it’s ready to compete for a championship. Defense is the name of the game for the Grizz, but a new offensive weapon could be just what the team needs in its pursuit for a Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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Grizzlies Key Losses
Mike Miller – Although the Grizzlies have a new offensive weapons (more on that later), they also lost one in Mike Miller. The 34-year-old perimeter player has taken his talents to Cleveland to pursue a championship with LeBron James and the Cavaliers, but Memphis found its replacement in free agency in the form of a former Dallas Maverick.
Grizzlies Top Newcomers
Vince Carter – Vince Carter is going to be huge for this franchise. The Grizzlies have lacked two things throughout the past few seasons that Carter will bring: three-point shooting and a player with a scorer’s mentality.
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The question here isn’t whether or not the swingman will help Memphis, but whether or not he will start. With Tayshaun Prince listed as the starter with the year around the corner, it will be interesting to see whether or not the coaching staff decides to bring that offensive prowess to the starting lineup.
Grizzlies Top Players
Zach Randolph – Zach Randolph is coming off a season that saw him lead the Grizzlies in points and rebounds. He recorded 17.4 and 10.1 in those respective categories, and at 33 years old, he’s looking to prove he’s worthy of one last big contract in a contract year.
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Marc Gasol – Marc Gasol played in just 59 games last season. That may have very well been the difference between moderate success and something greater, as his defensive presences (as well as his passing ability and presence on the offensive block) were sorely missed when he was stuck on the sidelines with injury problems.
Mike Conley – Mike Conley has quietly become one of the most versatile point guards in the NBA. He’s a solid three-point shooter who can drive and kick with the best of them, and even more important is his defensive abilities — something that fits in well with the rest of this roster.
Grizzlies Strengths
Defense – This team is all about defense. It was third in points allowed last season, as well as seventh in defensive efficiency. Defensive schemes and good rotations certainly have something to do with that, but there’s one other fact that can’t be ignored.
This roster comprises hard-nosed, physical players who hate to get scored on, and that’s the difference between this group and others — even those who also excel defensively.
Grizzlies Weaknesses
Perimeter Shooting – The Grizzlies may have added Vince Carter to the rotation, but the question is: Will one player help a category that has been so awful in recent history?
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Last season, Memphis was 19th in three-point percentage. Although that number isn’t awful, the team made the fewest three-pointers of any team throughout the course of the year.
The Grizzlies have a solid presence up front with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, but they need to take pressure off them on offense. The only way they can do that is to at least be a threat from long range, otherwise a championship run begins to seem less likely.
Grizzlies 2014 Betting Prediction
Don’t expect the Grizzlies to take that monumental jump we talked about to begin this analysis. It’s true that an improvement in three-point shooting should help the cause, but chances are, that improvement won’t be as drastic as what fans hope to see.
As a result, look for this team to fight for home-court advantage, but likely come up a bit short. Defense will get them into the playoffs, but offense will be what keeps them from making the Finals.
The Western Conference Finals isn’t out of the question considering how tough this team is from a physical standpoint, but a second-round appearance is more realistic. This is still a good team — a very good team, in fact — but it’s just missing the offensive talent that we’ve seen from champions as of late.
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