ESPN releases surprising win-loss projection for Memphis next season

The Memphis Grizzlies are among the most interesting teams to watch entering the 2024-25 season, because their fortunes are bound to change. After a rough campaign last year, all eyes are on how they'll bounce back and reclaim their position as one of the league's best, with Ja Morant leading at the front.

Yet despite the overwhelming excitement of everyone regarding their forthcoming run, they had an intriguingly low projection on the record that they might be about to register.

Grizzlies projected to land in the Play-In Tournament

In the latest 2024-25 NBA Summer Forecast conducted by ESPN, which tackles the potential seeding of each team in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are projected to finish in the middle of the pack.

The network's panel of NBA experts foresees a 44-win season coming from Grind City, which lands them at the ninth spot in the West, joining the New Orleans Pelicans (46-36), Golden State Warriors (45-37), and the Houston Rockets (44-38) in the mix amongst Play-In hopefuls.

The last time the Grizzlies appeared at the Play-In position was three years ago when they made their way as a ninth seed en route to the 2021 Playoffs, outcompeting the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors.

Considering the competitive standpoint, this is a bold prediction from ESPN. Last year, several teams in the West instantly emerged towards legit contention, like the Oklahoma City Thunder, and a handful of the others are set to do it this upcoming season, making the Grizzlies' road for redemption tougher.

But as it is, Memphis won't come out to play just for a Play-In ceiling. With a rejuvenated and motivated squad led by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies will do whatever it takes to prove the doubters wrong and ultimately win it all.

Related: Memphis favored as one of the top teams to win it all amongst non-title teams