Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant shows up to summer league
Ja Morant explained why he made a day trip to summer league on July 12 to watch the Grizzlies in action.
The Memphis Grizzlies 2025-26 schedule was released on Aug. 14. The team opens the season with three consecutive home games, and the schedule includes games in Berlin and London.
The Grizzlies head into this season with a fresh start with new coach Tuomas Iisalo and without former shooting guard Desmond Bane.
Of the 41 home games on the schedule, there are a couple that stand out as potential great games.
Here are the five best games that will be played at FedExForum this upcoming season.
Grizzlies vs Lakers, LeBron James, Oct. 31
The Grizzlies face LeBron James and the Lakers at 8:30 p.m. in the first game of the NBA Cup in-season tournament. This matchup can pose a potential challenge for the team as they had trouble against the Lakers last season. The Grizzlies went 1-3 in the four games against Los Angeles.
It could be interesting to see if the Grizzlies are able to contain the 23-year veteran James. This primetime Halloween matchup would be a good one early in the season.
Grizzlies vs Rockets, Kevin Durant, Nov. 5
This matchup will look different for the division rivals. The Grizzlies will take on the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m., and FedExForum will be packed as people come to watch Kevin Durant play in his first season as a Rocket after being traded from the Phoenix Suns.
Last season, the Rockets swept the Grizzlies in all four games. This game is primed to be an exciting one for fans.
Grizzlies vs Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, Nov. 7
No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks are coming to FedExForum at 7 p.m. This game will be interesting as the Grizzlies face the widely-discussed rookie. It will be intriguing to see how Iisalo will gameplan against him.
This game would also be a good rematch from the 2025 play-in tournament where the Grizzlies defeated the Mavs 120-106.
Grizzlies vs Thunder in NBA playoffs rematch, Nov. 9
The Grizzlies will host the reigning NBA champions at 5 p.m. Memphis was swept by Oklahoma City during the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs and had its worst playoff performance in team history in Game 1.
Grizzlies are looking to redeem themselves. Fans will be eager to see if the team can come out on top over the NBA’s regular season and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company.
Grizzlies vs Warriors, Steph Curry, Feb. 25
The Grizzlies play against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at 6:30 p.m. Memphis will face a top shooter in Curry and a dominant defensive player in Draymond Green.
Reach Commercial Appeal sports intern Alana Thompson at alana.thompson@commercialappeal.com.