Grizzlies are the biggest dark-horse NBA title contender

Even with Ja Morant (10), Desmond Bane (seven) and Marcus Smart (10) missing a chunk of games thus far, the Grizzlies have stayed above water with an impressive 12-7 record. And now that they're nearly healthy and whole again, Memphis is firing on all cylinders.

In their ongoing four-game winning streak, the Grizzlies are averaging 128.3 points and 33.3 assists at 52/42/77 shooting splits. Head coach Taylor Jenkins' team has been scoring in bunches by committee, with as many as eight players averaging in double digits. 

The emergence of Scotty Pippen Jr. as a backup floor general and scorer has given Memphis a strong four-man guard rotation and a host of quality bigs such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.

The Grizzlies are somewhat undersized on the wings, but Jekins' decision to start Jackson and Clarke — two versatile big men — has lent switchability to the perimeter defense. While Jaylen Wells has made the three-spot his own, Memphis could eventually start Bane at small forward if they go with the Morant and Smart backcourt.

Due to all the injuries, Jenkins has used up to 10 different starting units already, but it appears he will be trotting Jackson, Clarke, Wells, Bane and Morant for now, with Smart coming off the bench. That unit has been excellent in its limited time together, especially on defense. One of the deepest and most talented teams in the NBA, the Grizzlies have the luxury of bringing Smart, Aldama, Edey, Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard and other quality role players off the bench. 

Memphis checks every box for a title contender. It boasts of the superstar go-to option, two ex-Defensive Player of the Year winners, multiple playmakers, shooters and a deep bench. Its 25-year-old defensive ace, Jackson Jr., is enjoying a career year as a scorer and leading the team in points.

It's easy to forget that this team won 50-plus games for two consecutive seasons before its injury-ravaged 2023-24 campaign. Morant and Co. were next in line in the West but were put on the back burner for some of their own doing. The Grizzlies seem poised to announce themselves again.