The Western Conference playoff race is heating up as the 2024-25 NBA regular season winds down, with teams jostling for position. The Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors are all in contention for the coveted No. 6 seed, while the Los Angeles Lakers aim to secure a top-six finish, their first since 2020. The Phoenix Suns, on the verge of elimination, look to close the gap on the Sacramento Kings.

Big performances have marked this stretch, notably from Ja Morant, who delivered a buzzer-beater to help the Grizzlies secure their first win under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, winners of the last NBA championship, pose a serious threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by the dominant Nikola Jokic.

The Memphis Grizzlies showcased resilience in a crucial 109-103 victory against the Detroit Pistons without their star player Ja Morant, who was sidelined due to food poisoning. Desmond Bane stepped up with a spectacular 38-point performance, while Zach Edey made a notable impact with a franchise-record 21 rebounds alongside his six points and six assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. also contributed significantly, achieving a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds, helping Memphis secure a tie with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth playoff seed.

The win reflects Memphis's depth, as interim coach Tuomas Iisalo utilized nearly the entire roster, including GG Jackson and Cam Spencer, who had limited playtime recently. The team now looks ahead to their final four games of the regular season, where each match becomes increasingly crucial for their playoff aspirations.

Ja Morant leads the Memphis Grizzlies as they aim for back-to-back wins against the Detroit Pistons after overcoming a rough start under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo. Following a fine of $75,000 for improper celebrations, Morant made headlines again with a buzzer-beater that secured victory over the Miami Heat. The Grizzlies are currently tied for sixth in the Western Conference, just two games behind the Lakers, making each remaining game crucial for their playoff positioning. On the other hand, the Pistons have shown significant improvement, currently positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference and actively competing for playoff seeding.

April 5 brings the Memphis Grizzlies to face off against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena, where both teams are eager for a win. The Grizzlies, coming off a buzzer-beater victory by Ja Morant over Miami, aim to improve their 20-18 road record against a Pistons team that's been solid at home with a recent 7-3 run. Memphis previously triumphed over Detroit 131-111 in their only match this season, but the Pistons are keen on leveraging their five-game homestand to climb higher in the Eastern Conference.

The odds currently favor the Grizzlies slightly at -116, with an over/under set at 239 points, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair. Both teams feature dynamic offenses, but the Grizzlies have had success in their recent matchups against Detroit, winning five of the last six games played there. Expect a competitive game as both sides look to solidify their playoff positions.