The Memphis Grizzlies will open the 2025-26 season at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 22 at FedExForum (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).
Memphis began last season on the road in Utah and Houston before playing its third game at home. The Grizzlies also opened their 2023-24 season at home against the Pelicans. That game ended in a 111-104 loss.
Preseason action for Memphis will begin on Oct. 6 against the Detroit Pistons. Memphis will be play its fifth and final preseason game on Oct. 17 before the season opener.
The Grizzlies’ franchise is 8-22 all time in season openers.
This game presents a few interesting storylines centered around health and connections. For Memphis, many eyes are on the possibility of Jaren Jackson Jr. being available. If he’s not, the Grizzlies could face the task of guarding former No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson right out of the gate without their best interior defender.
Speaking of Williamson, his South Carolina ties to Ja Morant is always a staple of matchups between the Grizzlies and Pelicans. Williamson and Morant were drafted No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the 2019 NBA Draft. Their careers will always be linked due to their draft position and South Carolina roots.
The Pelicans will be without guard Dejounte Murray, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last season. Memphis will also be without Zach Edey.
Memphis has a 42-44 record in 86 career meetings against the Pelicans.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC