[jwplayer kKYx5CQh]
The long layover from the NBA season due to the coronavirus pandemic is nearly over as the league prepares to converge on the Walt Disney World Resort in July near Orlando, Florida.
The NBA Board of Governors approved a 22-team competitive format to restart the 2019-20 season with eight regular-season games prior to the beginning of the playoffs. Among those teams that will travel to Disney will be the Memphis Grizzlies.
Prior to the season suspension, the Grizzlies were eighth in the Western Conference. Players on the Grizzlies, like several others throughout the league, are eager to return to play, like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow.
Winslow was acquired at the trade deadline but hadn’t yet debuted with the Grizzlies due to a back injury. He is said to be healthy again and ready to play as his rookie teammate is eager to hit the floor with him for the first time.
ready to hoop wit bro 🥴 https://t.co/WwadRnMvPz
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 10, 2020
The Grizzlies will still need to do some work in order to claim a playoff berth.
They could have to participate in a play-in game to determine the eighth seed in the playoffs, which would happen if the ninth-placed team is within four games of the eighth seed at the conclusion of the eight regular-season games.
In other words, the Grizzlies will have to play very well upon returning to play and much of that will be dependent on Morant, Jackson and the rest of the roster.
[lawrence-related id=18101,17438,17248]
[vertical-gallery id=14282]