Three years back, the Memphis Grizzlies were celebrating a second consecutive second-place finish in the Western Conference, boasting a youthful and talented roster. However, a wave of injuries coupled with disappointing playoff performances diminished excitement for the team. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies appear poised for a promising rebound this season, as they head into the campaign with a clean bill of health. Yet, they face stiff competition in the Western Conference. Can the Grizzlies reclaim a playoff berth this season, or will the Memphis fanbase experience more heartbreak?
Memphis Grizzlies Offseason Overview
This offseason was pivotal for the Grizzlies, setting the stage for both immediate competition and future prospects. The major headline revolved around a high-profile trade involving Desmond Bane which sent him to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, a swap of first-round picks, and four unprotected first-round picks. While the Magic are thrilled with their new star, Memphis fans can feel excited about the substantial assets they’ve secured. With Ja Morant still under contract, the team now has the necessary draft capital to construct a potential super team around him.
Though Bane’s departure poses challenges, especially considering his significant contributions of 32 minutes and 19.2 points per game last season while shooting 48% overall and 39% from three, Caldwell-Pope is set to help mitigate this loss. As an ideal 3-and-D player, he provides utility alongside Morant, utilizing his defensive skills without requiring extensive ball handling. Caldwell-Pope’s adaptability will enhance the squad and his leadership presence will be invaluable, both on and off the court.
The Bane trade wasn’t the only significant move. Luke Kennard departed for the Hawks, and Memphis brought in Ty Jerome as his replacement. While Jerome isn’t widely recognized among NBA enthusiasts, his role in the Cavaliers’ recent achievements has been substantial. Known for his consistent shooting and tenacity, he will play a key role for the Grizzlies, leading the bench unit and excelling in various capacities.
Memphis Grizzlies Season Outlook
If Ja Morant’s off-court challenges continue, he could be remembered as one of the NBA’s greatest ‘what ifs.’ Injuries and suspensions have stifled the momentum he built in his early career. Once celebrated for his electrifying dunks and scoring prowess, Morant now faces the crucial task of rediscovering his elite form. Over the past two seasons, he has only participated in 59 games combined. Should he regain his former self this season, the Grizzlies could emerge as genuine dark horses in the Western Conference.
Last season, only Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. managed to average over 12.5 points per game for Memphis. While the team endeavored to fill Bane’s shoes with various role players, modern NBA success typically relies on a trio of superstars. Retaining Morant and Jackson Jr. is positive, but they currently lack that critical third elite player needed for a playoff push. Consistent regular-season success is something the Grizzlies’ fanbase has come to expect, yet this year they might find themselves battling for the final play-in spots unless luck is on their side.
Memphis Grizzlies Schedule Insights
The Grizzlies have an opportunity to gain early momentum with a manageable start to the season. Their campaign opens with three home encounters against the Pelicans, Heat, and Pacers—games they must secure. Following these, 14 out of their next 15 matchups will be against playoff contenders. Fortunately, the Grizzlies’ schedule features only one extensive five-game road trip, along with another international trip to Germany and England for two games against the Magic, followed by a series of favorable home games.
Memphis Grizzlies Odds
This season, the Grizzlies are projected to achieve a win total of 39.5, carrying odds of -188 to miss the playoffs. Yet, there remains hope, as Memphis has exceeded 48 wins in three of the last four seasons. A play-in position appears to be on the horizon for the Grizzlies, carrying the smallest odds in the West at +100 for qualification. These odds suggest a finish around 9th or 10th place, while the lengthy +12500 odds for the NBA Finals reflect their standing in the competitive Western Conference. Fortunately, they share their NBA Cup group with two of the weaker squads—the Mavericks and Pelicans—offering Memphis a chance to challenge the Clippers and Lakers in NBA Cup West Group B. They hold +480 odds to top this group and +6000 odds to clinch the NBA Cup trophy.
2025-26 Memphis Grizzlies Season Predictions and Best Bets
This team has faced undervaluation in recent years, but now is the moment to consider their unders. Bane’s absence without a fitting replacement is a significant factor to acknowledge. Compounding this concern, Morant and Jackson Jr. are expected to miss the opening games due to injuries, further complicating the Grizzlies’ competitive aspirations. In a fiercely contested Western Conference, their -188 odds to miss the playoffs are a foregone conclusion. Even in optimal health, they face uphill battles. Projected as the 10th best in the West, surpassing teams like the Mavericks and Spurs for a play-in spot, followed by victories over top teams like the Warriors, Clippers, or Timberwolves for the 8th seed is a daunting task. Thus, I predict Memphis will not only miss the playoffs but may struggle to even secure a play-in position. A projected finish of 41-41 might enable them to meet their win total, yet surely fall short of postseason play. Given these insights, betting on the Grizzlies to miss the playoffs rather than unders on their win total is advisable.
Top Bet: Memphis Grizzlies to Miss the Playoffs -188
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