Getting to the No. 2 or No. 3 spot feels preferable. Memphis hasn’t shown the ability to beat OKC yet after losing four straight games, and a potential second or third seed will allow Memphis to avoid the Thunder until a potential Western Conference Finals appearance.

The Grizzlies, known for their historically strong defense, have shown vulnerability in that area this season. Players like Ja Morant believe the team could benefit from recapturing the "grit-and ...

Here's what Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams said as to why Dort should win the Defensive Player of the Year with so many other candidates knocked out due to the 65-game minimum rule:

Morant chipped in 25 points (9-22 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 7-7 FT), seven assists, four rebounds and one steal over 31 minutes during Friday's 114-113 loss to the Knicks. Morant recorded a game-high 25 points ...