Grizzlies clinch playoff spot for 6th straight year
It took plenty of moving parts, but the Memphis Grizzlies are playoff bound for a sixth straight season.
Memphis was idle Thursday, but received help from the lowly Phoenix Suns, who knocked off the Houston Rockets 124-115, dealing James Harden's side a major blow to its postseason aspirations.
The Grizzlies have persevered despite being ravaged by injuries all year long. They've played without All-Star center Marc Gasol since early February and starting point guard Mike Conley since early March. They set an NBA single-season record earlier this month when they dressed their 28th player.
Memphis can't finish higher than fifth in the Western Conference, while seeds 5-8 are separated by three games. The Grizzlies have four games remaining in the regular season (Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Golden State Warriors twice).
The Warriors eliminated Memphis in the Western Conference semifinals in six games last postseason.
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