The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the bigger surprises of the 2019-20 campaign as we gear up for NBA play to resume next month. As it sits right now, Ja Morant and co. hold the final playoff spot in the West with a 32-33 record, but the initial eight games before the postseason could affect that.

Both the Portland and New Orleans are just 3.5 games behind Memphis and with the play-in series a realistic possibility, the Blazers or Pelicans could meet with the Grizzlird in a two-game set before the playoffs get underway.

However, based on the season Memphis has had to this point, they deserve their shot at playoff glory. From youngsters Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way for Taylor Jenkins’ team, the future looks very bright for the Grizzlies, and given their impressive season, they have the potential to pose a threat in the first round of the playoffs, even if they do face the Los Angeles Lakers. Their time to be a serious contender hasn’t come quite yet, but it’s not far off.

Here are three reasons why the Grizzlies should be the eight seed in the Western Conference.