Memphis Grizzlies Stats, Odds, Standings and Schedule for 2023-24 NBA Season

Memphis Grizzlies Last Season Performance

In 2022-23, the Memphis Grizzlies finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference for the second straight season. However, it was not without bumps in the road that will be affecting their NBA lines for the 2023-24 season.

Before the start of last season, despite having the second-best record in the West in 2021-22, NBA odds had the Grizzlies at +2000 to win the Finals. That showed that sportsbooks did not have much faith in the team, even with an over/under win total set at 49.5.

The sportsbooks would be proven correct because the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated Memphis in the first round of the playoffs in six games. However, it is important to note that Steven Adams’s injury 42 games into the season affected the team’s upside.

On top of that, All-Star Ja Morant was suspended for showing off a gun on social media during the regular season. He only played five games in the playoffs due to injury and that was among the reasons for the early exit. Furthermore,

Morant again got in trouble with the league for showing off a gun on social media in the offseason, leading to a 25-game suspension at the start of the next season and affecting the Grizzlies’ NBA Finals odds for 2023-24.

On the bright side, Jaren Jackson Jr. did win Defensive Player of the Year, blocking three shots per game.

Memphis Grizzlies Offseason Changes

Key Additions

After NBA news broke that Morant would again be suspended for showing off a gun on social media, the Grizzlies needed to find a backup plan. Memphis will be without its star player for the first 25 games, changing a lot for the 2023-24 season.

To replace Morant for the first 25 games, the Grizzlies traded for Marcus Smart and signed Derrick Rose. Both players will have value after Morant returns, but Rose will get his biggest workload while he is out. Memphis also traded for Josh Christopher, a young scoring guard with upside.

In the draft, the Grizzlies only had one pick in the second round, choosing to select G.G. Jackson. He was highly recruited out of high school, but his draft stock dropped in college.

Key Losses

Surprisingly, the Grizzlies have managed to keep most of their core intact. But, they did have to trade Tyus Jones in the deal for Smart..

However, the one move that will complicate NBA betting is the Grizzlies’ decision to let Dillon Brooks walk in free agency, which turned into a sign-and-trade, getting Christopher in return. Brooks often was a liability on offense but was a crucial part of Memphis’ defense, being named an All-Defensive team player last season.

Coach: Taylor Jenkins (51-31)

Taylor Jenkins might be a young head coach at 39 years old, but 2023-24 will be his fifth season leading the Grizzlies. He has helped Memphis reach the playoffs the last three seasons and will likely do so again in 2023-24.

Jenkins nearly won the Coach of the Year award in 2021-22, finished second, but has been in the top 10 for the award in three straight seasons. He has shown the ability to win in the regular season, but now the question is can he find success during the playoffs.

Memphis Grizzlies Strength: Defensive Versatility

Last season, the Grizzlies were one of the best defensive teams in the league, a big reason why Jackson won the Defensive Player of the Year award. They were second in defensive rating and allowed the 11th-most points per game, primarily because of how fast the offense played.

The frontcourt pairing of Jackson and Adams was elite for the first half of the season. Adams would be more of the enforcer, guarding the opposing team’s biggest player, allowing Jackson to roam around the rim looking for shots to block.

However, when Adams was injured, Jackson took on more responsibility on defense, sometimes playing as the lone big. His success in that role can allow the Grizzlies to experiment more in 2023-24, playing with small-ball lineups.

While the loss of Brooks will be felt on the defensive end, he was replaced by Smart, who won the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year. Furthermore, Desmond Bane is a solid defender for a guard, rounding out Memphis’ defense.

Memphis Grizzlies Weakness: Questions Without Morant

When Morant got injured in the 2021-22 season, the Grizzlies managed to go on a massive run. Without their All-Star player, Memphis had an excellent record, going 20-5.

However, Morant missed 21 games last season, in which the Grizzlies went 11-10. That is a much more realistic representation of a team’s performance when they don’t have their leading scorer and best player.

The addition of Smart and Rose will help some, but neither will be able to replace the offensive production that Morant provides. Smart is more of a defensive player that can sometimes struggle to make plays for others. Rose is 35 years old and appeared in 27 games last season without a start. Without Morant, the Grizzlies’ NBA title odds are greatly diminished.

Bane will have to do a lot of the heavy lifting on offense, averaging a career high in points last season at 21.5 per game.

Memphis Grizzlies Predictions

Being without Morant for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season should have little effect on the Grizzlies’ NBA playoffs odds. The team has more than enough good players to make the playoffs, but winning a series is why Morant is important.

NBA spreads will change a lot when Morant eventually returns, especially if he manages to stay on the court. He has dealt with injuries, and the reason for his suspension being 25 games was because it was a repeat offense. A complete Grizzlies team will be one of the best in the West, but they will start from behind and try to catch up.

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