Iisalo's first game as interim coach will be against the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also in contention for playoff positioning.

Both the Grizzlies and Lakers are currently tied for fourth place in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games out of the third seed.

The Grizzlies are at risk of losing home-court advantage in the playoffs, currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference.

On March 28, 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies made the surprising decision to fire Taylor Jenkins, their winningest coach, amid struggles in the playoff chase.

This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given the team's competitive standing in the league and the timing so close to the end of the regular season.

Despite the team's challenges, Jenkins has developed a roster of contributors, including rookies and key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

The firing followed a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the Grizzlies have not provided a clear explanation for Jenkins' dismissal.

Despite achieving two No. 2 seeds in the Western Conference during his tenure, Jenkins only won one playoff series, leading to concerns about the team's championship aspirations.

There are indications that the team's spirit and connectedness have declined, prompting the front office to seek a change despite Jenkins' strong win-loss record.

Typically, coaching changes occur after the season ends, making this mid-season decision particularly perplexing for fans and analysts alike.

Tuomas Iisalo, the EuroCup Coach of the Year, has been appointed as the interim head coach, raising questions about the future direction of the team.

General manager Zach Kleiman expressed appreciation for Jenkins' contributions, highlighting the team's development and success under his leadership.