NBA 2018-19 Season Preview: Memphis Grizzlies

Predictions

In a heavily loaded Western Conference, the Grizzlies currently project as the worst of the playoff bubble teams

In a heavily loaded Western Conference, the Grizzlies currently project as the worst of the playoff bubble teams. Their starting lineup looks ready to compete - although not in the same fashion as the Zach Randolph Grit n Grind era - but their bench does not comprise of enough talent to hold the fort together on days when their starters don't click.

They have no incentive to tank, as previously indicated, which means that given the amount of top-tier talent on their squad, they will probably finish above the Kings, Suns and the Mavericks. Guaranteeing a finish any higher will need some evidence from their play early on in the season, for there are teams like the Nuggets, the Timberwolves and the Trail Blazers who have explosive offensive options better than anything the Grizzlies have on offer.

The Clippers are in a similar state of transition, although they don't have the talent to do much better than their nemesis from early on this decade. An 11th-place finish looks like the likeliest outcome of their season at this point.