Answers are gradually coming on how the Memphis Grizzlies will begin their NBA playoff run. They’re likely destined for the No. 8 seed, meaning their play-in run will start on the road. However, the No. 7 spot is still a possibility.
The bigger problem now is determining who would be that opponent. Memphis has four teams and three games to watch on Sunday. All of those teams will be playing at the same time as Memphis.
The Grizzlies will take on the Dallas Mavericks inside FedExForum (2:30 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). A Grizzlies loss would lock them into the eighth seed.
Starting NBA playoffs as a No. 7 seed
With one day of games left, several scenarios remain. If Memphis gets the No. 7 seed and opens the postseason at home, it will need to root for the Utah Jazz.
The Grizzlies will begin the playoffs as a No. 8 seed if they lose on Sunday, or if the Minnesota Timberwolves win against the Jazz. Minnesota is expected to beat Utah, but the Timberwolves will be without star guard Anthony Edwards unless the NBA decides to rescind his most recent technical foul. Edwards has reached 18 technical fouls, meaning he is automatically suspended one game. Utah beat Minnesota earlier this season without Edwards, so even though this should be a win for Minnesota, the chance of Memphis climbing into the No. 7 spot is possible. The Grizzlies accomplish that goal with a win and Minnesota loss.
Play-in opponent candidates
This is where things get tricky. Along with Minnesota, the Grizzlies could still play the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets or Golden State Warriors.
The simplest and most likely result will be the Grizzlies playing the loser of a Sunday afternoon game between the Clippers and Warriors. This is assuming that both the Nuggets and Wolves win their respective games on Sunday.
But what if Denver loses? That throws another wrench into the realm of possibilities. Assuming the Timberwolves win, a Nuggets loss and Warriors win means Memphis will travel to Denver to open its postseason. If the Clippers beat the Warriors on Sunday and the Nuggets lose, Golden State will travel to Memphis.
