The Grizzlies Can’t Afford to Win Another Game

The Memphis Grizzlies should try to not win another game this season. They simply can't afford it.

The Grizzlies are 25-51 and currently hold the league's eighth-worst record. On the surface, that’s already bad enough. But in today’s NBA lottery system, “bad” isn’t always enough. Positioning matters, and right now, the Grizzlies are stuck in the most dangerous spot possible: not quite bad enough.

They currently have a 26.3% chance at a top-four pick and just a 6% chance at landing the No. 1 overall pick. That’s solid, but they will need Lady Luck on their side if they want a top-two pick. If Memphis can drop just a couple more spots, specifically below the Dallas Mavericks (24-52) and the New Orleans Pelicans (25-52), everything changes.

Falling to the sixth-worst record would boost their odds to 37.2% for a top-four pick and 9% at No. 1 overall. That’s a massive difference. That’s the kind of swing that can change the direction of an entire franchise.

And that’s why losing actually = winning.

The Schedule Sets This Up Perfectly If They Lean Into It

Mar 30, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer (24) handles the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Grizzlies have six games remaining this season, and right now the path is very clear. They face the Toronto Raptors next, a game they should lose. They also face the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Cleveland Cavaliers, all games they SHOULD lose.

The real battle isn’t those games, it’s the tankathon games.

The Grizzlies need to out-tank teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and especially the Utah Jazz down the stretch. One or two accidental wins could drop Memphis out of that critical tier and lock them into worse odds.

Shut It Down: It’s Time

The Grizzlies should seriously consider shutting down any remaining veterans or key contributors. There is no upside to pushing for meaningless late-season wins. No playoff push. No momentum that carries over. Just the risk of injury and the risk of damaging their lottery position. They should sit GG Jackson, Cam Spencer, Cedric Coward, and players of that caliber to ensure they lose.

The Grizzlies need to recognize the bigger picture, and this NBA Draft could be an all-time great class.

The Reality: Every Win Hurts

It sounds backwards, but it’s true: every win from here on out could cost Memphis a chance at landing a game-changing player. They’re neck-and-neck with Dallas and New Orleans. If either of those teams steals a win or two, Memphis needs to be ready to capitalize by not doing the same. That’s the game within the game right now. This is no longer about pride. It’s about positioning.