Grizzlies hope to overcome geography on playoff journey

By Bud L. Ellis

Oh, were it not for the geographically challenged NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies could start printing playoff tickets.

OK, that may be overstating things just a bit. Still Memphis, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, plays in the Western Conference. And in the wild wild West, the Grizzlies’ 26-25 record is good for 11th in the standings, a full three games out of the conference’s final playoff spot (currently occupied by Portland).

Were Memphis in the East – NBA speaking, of course – the Grizzlies would stand tied for sixth with Charlotte. Still, with some good ball in its final 31 games, Memphis can challenge for a playoff berth in the West. But the Grizzlies lost six of 10 coming into the All-Star break, and needs to find its stride as the season picks back up this week.

Memphis returns to action Wednesday at Toronto, which sits fifth in the East but has a record only 2 ½ games better than the Grizzlies. Friday, Memphis plays host to Miami, and travels to New Jersey on Sunday to meet the 4-48 Nets.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 7:57 pm by bud

Tags: Charlotte Bobcats, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, National Basketball Association, New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors