Health will be the determining factor. As well, the level of pride with with Rudy approaches Kawhi Leonard, too. Leonard flat outplayed Rudy in every match-up last year if I remember correctly. We need to see Rudy take the same approach he took vs. Harrison when we played the Warriors and intentionally try to dominate him. Rudy showed none of that vs. Gee who embarrassed him multiple times in the Cavs game which we were fortunate to win.

Yes they can win the SW division and the conference, but I realized a strange thing about the standings. The Gizzlies have the best record in the conference and the league, but they are 1/2 game behind San Antonio in the SW standings because SA has already played 3 more games than Memphis. Memphis has thus far played 8 at home and 5 away while SA has played 6 home and 10 away games. Memphis has had the easier schedule to date. Memphis will play more games in Jan to April than SA which means more back to backs and for the Grizzlies more away games.

So, the dog days of the end of the season will be tougher for the Grizzlies than SA. Can they win consistently during those days? Will the bench stay reliable in their relief of the starters and be able to hold a lead or get a lead or increase a lead in the game? Will injuries plague the Grizzlies again? Will DA round in the game shape and play the way we need him to play? Only time will answer these questions and thus determine if the Grizzlies will win the division and conference.