2011 NBA Playoffs: Memphis Grizzlies' Chances Against the Best of the West
The Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of a tight battle in the Western Conference for a playoff spot, and currently hold a narrow lead on the eighth and final seed. They are on pace for a first-round match up with the San Antonio Spurs.
Memphis is attempting to reach the postseason for the first time in the last five seasons, and will try to make a splash in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
While they made three consecutive trips to the playoffs starting in 2003-04, they managed to get swept on all three occasions, going 0-12 overall.
However, this season, Memphis has shown that they can hang with anyone in the league and that they could be a potential first-round threat for some of the Western Conference's elite teams.
This slideshow will rate the Grizzlies' odds of winning a playoff series against every team currently competing to make a trip to the postseason in the West.
10. Houston Rockets 33-33
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Season series against Memphis: 3-1 (Houston wins series)
Series Notes: The Rockets seemingly packed it in for the season with a pair of trade deadline moves that should have weakened the team in the short term. However, they have been hot as of late and are still fighting for a postseason berth.
One of the two trades Houston made before the deadline involved Memphis, as they sent Shane Battier back to the Grizzlies to get rid of his expiring contract and to build for the future.
Battier's acquisition could be the key for Memphis in the playoffs this season, and I think he would make the Rockets regret their choice of destinations for him if these two teams were to meet up in the postseason.
Odds of Memphis beating Houston in the first round: 5 to 1
9. Phoenix Suns 33-29
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Season series against Memphis: 2-1 (Memphis leads series; one game remaining)
Series Notes: The Suns are always a dangerous team with Steve Nash leading the way. However, they have taken a substantial step backwards this season as they move on from Amar'e Stoudemire's departure to New York.
Phoenix definitely has the veteran leadership needed to make a run in the playoffs, with Grant Hill and Vince Carter making large contributions this season.
While the Suns would have a clear advantage in the backcourt with Nash leading the way, I think the Grizzlies would beat up on Phoenix in the paint over the duration of a playoff series.
Therefore, I would give Memphis the slight advantage if these two teams were somehow matched up in the postseason.
Odds of Memphis beating Phoenix in the first round: 4 to 1
8. Utah Jazz 34-31
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Season series against Memphis: 1-1 (Series tied; one game remaining)
Series Notes: Both of the meetings between these teams this season came before the Deron Williams trade, which means things will likely be a lot different the next time around.
Now that Utah is missing both Williams and long-time head coach Jerry Sloan—who resigned earlier in the season—I'm not sure the Jazz can make much noise if they make the postseason.
While there's virtually no chance these two teams would meet in the playoffs—especially in the first round—I would give Memphis a substantial advantage over the Jazz in a seven game series.
Odds of Memphis beating Utah in the first round: 3 to 1
7. Portland Trail Blazers 37-27
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Season series against Memphis: 1-1 (Series tied; one game remaining)
Series Notes: The Blazers have been fairly hot since the return of Brandon Roy and the acquisition of Gerald Wallace. I think they are one of the most dangerous teams in the West among the likely lower-seeded teams.
LaMarcus Aldridge has been on fire this season and has been especially hot recently in an effort to prove to critics that he should have been an All-Star this season.
However, injuries are always seemingly around the corner in Rip City, meaning things could change a lot before the playoffs roll around.
Considering Portland's substantial history of untimely injuries and unfortunate shortcomings, I think I would have to give the Grizzlies a slight edge in this potential match-up.
Odds of Memphis beating Portland in the first round: 7 to 2
6. Denver Nuggets 37-27
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Season series against Memphis: 2-1 (Denver wins series)
Series Notes: The Nuggets have a very different look without Melo in the line-up now, but they have already proved once in the aftermath of the MeloDrama that they can beat the Grizzlies.
While Denver has arguably looked better since making the move that sent Melo and Chauncey Billups to New York, I don't think they have enough veteran leadership on the team to do much in the playoffs.
That could spell good things for whoever lands a match-up with the Nuggets in the first round, although I don't expect Denver to just roll over, either.
I think these two teams would have an excellent series that would likely go the seven-game limit in my opinion, with the Nuggets having a slight advantage.
Odds of Memphis beating Denver in the first round: 8 to 1
5. New Orleans Hornets 38-29
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Season series against Memphis: 2-0 (New Orleans leads series; two games remaining)
Series Notes: The Grizzlies have struggled against the Hornets so far this season but they still have an opportunity to even the season series with two games remaining.
The Hornets have been a surprise team in the West this season, and in my opinion, will likely struggle in the playoffs unless they receive an extremely favorable match-up.
While I wouldn't call the Grizzlies an extremely favorable match-up for New Orleans, I think the Hornets do have a clear advantage with Chris Paul leading the way.
The Grizzlies could possibly push New Orleans to six or seven games if they were to meet up in the playoffs this season. However, I don't know if they could get past the Hornets unless Mike Conley had an unbelievable series.
Odds of Memphis beating New Orleans in the first round: 10 to 1
4. Oklahoma City Thunder 40-23
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Season series against Memphis: 3-1 (Memphis wins series)
Series Notes: The Grizzlies managed to take the season series from the Thunder this year, however, I think things will be different when these teams meet up the next time.
The Thunder made a huge deadline deal to acquire center Kendrick Perkins from the Boston Celtics so they could go toe-to-toe with anyone in the West, especially the Lakers and Spurs.
However, I don't think the addition of Perkins guarantees the Thunder a pass against Memphis if they were to meet in the playoffs. The Grizzlies clearly have found a way to handle the tandem of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
If these two teams were to meet in the first round, I think Memphis could potentially push Oklahoma City to the brink of elimination, but i don't think they could get past them in the end.
Odds of Memphis beating Oklahoma City in the first round: 12 to 1
3. Los Angeles Lakers 46-20
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Season series against Memphis: 2-2 (Series split)
Series Notes: While Kobe Bryant and Co. are definitely the kings of the West until someone dethrones them, I don't think they are as talented as they were in their previous two seasons. Therefore, they could potentially be prone to an early round upset.
Memphis would need a massive series from both Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol to have a chance in this series, but they could pose a threat if they were to pick up an early win in Los Angeles in one of the first two games.
Shane Battier's acquisition by Memphis would also be a huge benefit for them, as he and Tony Allen could potentially lock up Kobe with their pesky defensive styles.
Even though I'm confident Memphis could take at least a game from the Lakers in a playoff match-up, I'm not convinced they could get the job done in an entire series.
Odds of Memphis beating Los Angeles in the first round: 15 to 1
2. Dallas Mavericks 47-18
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Season series against Memphis: 3-1 (Memphis wins series)
Series Notes: The Grizzlies have had a stunning amount of success against the Mavs this season, as they have handed them a sixth of their total number of losses.
While Memphis definitely earned all three of their wins over Dallas, especially in their recent 104-103 win, I'm not convinced the Grizzlies could have that same success against "Big D" in the playoffs.
Memphis has a pair of one-point victories over Dallas on their home floor this season, meaning they have already overachieved in that department for the year since it's hard for anyone to win there.
While the Grizzlies could possibly push the Mavericks to an extended series, I can't see Memphis pulling off the upset in a series.
Odds of Memphis beating Dallas in the first round: 20 to 1
1. San Antonio Spurs 52-12
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Season series against Memphis: 2-1 (San Antonio leads series; one game remaining)
Series Notes: The Grizzlies have a history of struggling against San Antonio in recent seasons, but Memphis may have gained a small confidence boast with their most recent 109-93 win over the Spurs at home.
While the Grizzlies could potentially send a first-round series against the Spurs to a fifth or sixth game, I can't picture any scenario in which Memphis could take four out of seven games from this veteran squad.
San Antonio has been scorching-hot all season long and appear determined to dethrone the Lakers as Western Conference champs. So, expect them to make fairly easy work out of Memphis if things stay as they currently are and they meet in the opening round of the playoffs.
However, don't be surprised if the Grizzlies young squad steals a game or two at home if the Spurs underestimate this team on their home court.
Odds of Memphis beating San Antonio in the first round: 25 to 1
