After yet another Memphis Grizzlies loss in the NBA bubble, a play-in series is officially on the table at the Western Conference.
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Grizzlies, 108-99, on Sunday afternoon, marking their fifth loss since returning from the game.
Memphis, who had a 3.5-game lead for the final playoff spot in the bubble, officially guaranteed that there would be a play-in series for eighth place in the conference – the opening of ‘ the door for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns to reach the postseason.
The Blazers and Spurs are just one game back of the Grizzlies, and the Suns – who have been a perfect 5-0 since game resumed – are 1.5 games back.
“I’m not worried about a play-in game right now,” Ja Morant, who dropped 17 points in the loss, told ESPN. “Our focus now is to learn from our mistakes from this game against the Raptors and try to fix them as we go out and play Boston.”
The Raptors, who grabbed their 50th win of the season, went ahead just before half-time on Sunday and did not look back. They pushed their lead to 18 points early in the fourth quarter, too, after Memphis held on to just 17 points in the third.
The Grizzlies’ loss on Sunday officially put a play-in series in for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs. (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Pascal Siakam led Toronto with 26 points as he shot 9-of-16 from the field. Norman Powell finished with 16 points from the bench, and Kyle Lowry added 15 points and eight assists. Dillon Brooks led Memphis with 25 points, and Grayson Allen added 20 from the bench.
How does the play-in series work?
The play-in-play is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, and will take place between the 8-seed and 9-seed in the conference.
If the 8-seed wins the game, they will officially make it to the playoffs and take over the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening series.
If the 9-seed wins, the two teams will be squared again on Sunday for a winning take-all matchup for the final playoff spot.
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