Grizzlies rely on 'solid basketball' in play-offs battle

If the Memphis Grizzlies want to avoid falling into the National Basketball Association's (NBA) post-season play-in tournament - for those teams finishing seventh to 10th in the Western Conference - the instructions are clear-cut.

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MEMPHIS - If the Memphis Grizzlies want to avoid falling into the National Basketball Association's (NBA) post-season play-in tournament - for those teams finishing seventh to 10th in the Western Conference - the instructions are clear-cut.

Close the season with three consecutive wins.

The Grizzlies (47-32) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (46-33) at the FedExForum on April 10 (April 11, Singapore time), and both teams will be in similar positions. If the Grizzlies can emerge victors, they will finish no worse than fifth.

As the final few days of the season play out, there is a logjam of teams in the Western Conference jockeying for a top-six finish. Only 2.5 games separate the third-placed Los Angeles Lakers (49-31) from the eighth-placed Timberwolves.

"We're in a tough, tough battle with some other teams and I couldn't ask for more from (our) guys. They are doing everything they can, and we will keep working one day at a time to secure the best possible seeding for the post-season," said Memphis interim coach Tuomas Lisalo, who replaced the fired head coach Taylor Jenkins.

Memphis will start the regular-season ending three-game stretch with momentum. The Grizzlies have won three straight road games, including a 124-100 victory on April 8 at Charlotte.