The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the NBA's best records, but they are 11-10 against the Western Conference. If the Grizzlies (23-13) want to reach their championship goals, they'll have to go through a tough slate of Western Conference opponents.

Memphis is playing strong defensive basketball in its last three games after struggling and losing four of five games, including a Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks are leading the defensive charge, but the Grizzlies have also been tactical in their approaches against the opponent's top offensive options.

In this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss what went wrong during the losing streak, how Brooks' role impacts the future and the Grizzlies' standing in the Western Conference

The<a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/"> Memphis Grizzlies</a> have one of the NBA's best records, but they are 11-10 against the Western Conference. If the Grizzlies (23-13) want to reach their championship goals, they'll have to go through a tough slate of Western Conference opponents.
Memphis is playing strong defensive basketball in its last three games after struggling and losing four of five games, including a <a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2022/12/26/memphis-grizzlies-ja-morant-lose-to-warriors-on-christmas-day/69739258007/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2022/12/26/memphis-grizzlies-ja-morant-lose-to-warriors-on-christmas-day/69739258007/">Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors.</a> Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks are leading the defensive charge, but the Grizzlies have also been tactical in their approaches against the opponent's top offensive options.
In this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss what went wrong during the losing streak, how Brooks' role impacts the future and the Grizzlies' standing in the Western Conference

Memphis Grizzlies basketball podcast from The Commercial Appeal - Memphis Tennessee.

Memphis Grizzlies basketball podcast from The Commercial Appeal - Memphis Tennessee.

Grizzlies Podcast

Memphis Grizzlies basketball podcast from The Commercial Appeal

Who are the biggest threats to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference?

The Memphis Grizzlies didn't make the flashiest move at the trade deadline, but they are reaping the benefits of a strong addition. Luke Kennard has given the Grizzlies another elite 3-point shooter to go with Desmond Bane, but now he'll have to adjust as teams start to run him off the 3-point line.

The Grizzlies (48-28) are on pace to finish with the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with six games left to play. Between last season and prior to the trade deadline, 3-point shooting has been a question for the Grizzlies.

If the Grizzlies can shoot at a high level with players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. attacking the paint, it bodes well for their postseason chances.

In this Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Evan Barnes and Damichael Cole discuss Kennard's impact, plus pick which potential first-round playoff matchup they'd like to see with the Grizzlies.

The<a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/"> Memphis Grizzlies</a> didn't make the flashiest move at the trade deadline, but they are reaping the benefits of a strong addition. Luke Kennard has given the Grizzlies another elite 3-point shooter to go with Desmond Bane, but now he'll have to adjust as teams start to run him off the 3-point line.
The Grizzlies (48-28) are on pace to finish with the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with six games left to play. Between last season and prior to the trade deadline, 3-point shooting has been a question for the Grizzlies.
If the Grizzlies can shoot at a high level with players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. attacking the paint, it<a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2023/03/30/steven-adams-injury-update-memphis-grizzlies-playoffs/70007238007/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2023/03/30/steven-adams-injury-update-memphis-grizzlies-playoffs/70007238007/"> bodes well for their postseason chances.</a>
In this Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Evan Barnes and Damichael Cole discuss Kennard's impact, plus pick which potential first-round playoff matchup they'd like to see with the Grizzlies.

Can Luke Kennard be a difference-maker for the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs?

Three weeks ago, the Memphis Grizzlies were being hit with so much bad news that it felt like a first-round playoff exit was a strong possibility. Ja Morant was suspended, Steven Adams' return from a knee injury was delayed, Brandon Clarke tore his Achilles and Dillon Brooks served the first of two one-game suspensions.

Fast forward to now, the Grizzlies are two games ahead of the Sacramento Kings for the No. 2 seed and have won 10 straight home games. The recent stretch includes winning six of seven games overall, and the return of Morant.

The Grizzlies (45-27) have also gotten one of the best stretches of play from Jaren Jackson Jr. in his five-year career.

On this episode of the Commercial Appeal's Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss how Morant looked in his return, Jackson's breakout and the Western Conference playoff picture.

Three weeks ago, the <a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/">Memphis Grizzlies </a>were being hit with so much bad news that it felt like a first-round playoff exit was a strong possibility. Ja Morant was suspended, Steven Adams' return from a knee injury was delayed, Brandon Clarke tore his Achilles and Dillon Brooks served the first of two one-game suspensions.
Fast forward to now, the Grizzlies are two games ahead of the Sacramento Kings for the No. 2 seed and have won 10 straight home games. The recent stretch includes winning six of seven games overall, and <a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/columnists/mark-giannotto/2023/03/23/ja-morant-memphis-grizzlies-return-nba-suspension-redemption-mask-houston-rockets-forgiveness-tee/70031081007/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/columnists/mark-giannotto/2023/03/23/ja-morant-memphis-grizzlies-return-nba-suspension-redemption-mask-houston-rockets-forgiveness-tee/70031081007/">the return of Morant.</a>
The Grizzlies (45-27) have also gotten one of the best stretches of play from Jaren Jackson Jr. in his five-year career.
On this episode of the Commercial Appeal's Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss how Morant looked in his return, Jackson's breakout and the Western Conference playoff picture.

Why Ja Morant's return, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s surge raises the ceiling for the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are close to getting Ja Morant back in the team facility, but there remains a lot of factors at play.

Since Morant's first day back in the facility after his eight-game suspension is March 20, when the Grizzlies play against the Dallas Mavericks, he'll need time to ramp-up before joining the Grizzlies' playoff push for the No. 2 seed.

There's also the personal perspective. Morant spent time in a counseling program in Florida, and said yesterday he feels better mentally.

In this episode of the Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss Morant's first public comments, where he goes from here and how this impacts the Grizzlies during the playoff push.

The <a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> are close to getting Ja Morant back in the team facility, but there remains a lot of factors at play.
Since Morant's first day back in the facility after his <a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2023/03/15/nba-suspends-ja-morant-for-eight-games-after-league-investigation/70013104007/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2023/03/15/nba-suspends-ja-morant-for-eight-games-after-league-investigation/70013104007/">eight-game suspension </a>is March 20, when the Grizzlies play against the Dallas Mavericks, he'll need time to ramp-up before joining the Grizzlies' playoff push for the No. 2 seed.
There's also the personal perspective. Morant spent time in a counseling program in Florida, and said yesterday he feels better mentally.
In this episode of the Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss Morant's first public comments, where he goes from here and how this impacts the Grizzlies during the playoff push.

Who are the biggest threats to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference?

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