Memphis Grizzlies: 50-1
We have reached the initial team that will win a ring this year without completely shocking the populace: the Memphis Grizzlies.
Rest assured a championship for the Grizzlies, who barely made it into the postseason last year with a list of 50-32 (your 17th reminder the West is loaded), would be a surprise. Zach Randolph is 33, and Mike Miller, a key floor-spacing shooter in last year’s underwhelming offense, followed LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Scoring, as always, will probably be a problem for the Grizz.
However, this team will defend like mad, especially with a slimmed-down Marc Gasol patrolling the midst ahead of the 2015 free agency. Toss in Tony Allen, the NBA’s funniest perimeter stopper, and you have got the key components for a league-best defense.
Vince Carter remains a valuable wing defender who will run a pick-and-roll and hit the three, and Mike Conley is a playoff-tested fighter who just keeps getting better.
And remember, we’ve noticed this Grizzlies core knock off the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder in playoff series within the last four years. Nobody scares Memphis in the postseason.
When the Grizzlies can stay healthy and Gasol puts a significant year, they’re a dark-horse contender.
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