The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at FedExForum in Memphis in a Western Conference season opener that promises to test depth and health right out of the gate.
Memphis enters the matchup expected to lean on its revamped lineup with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. available for their season opener for the first time since 2021. But by trading away Desmond Bane in the offseason, they may enter this season with an eye on the next one.
As for tonight, the Grizzlies are far from full strength. Five players are already ruled out, leaving their depth under pressure. Built on pace, transition offense, tough defense, and exploiting opponent weaknesses, Memphis will look to pin the Pelicans down in the paint and exploit any front-court openings.
The Pelicans arrive riding the optimism surrounding Zion Williamson, but also facing headwinds. Key contributors Dejounte Murray and Kevon Looney are missing, which threatens their interior defense and perimeter coverage — areas Memphis will target.
Consistency remains the biggest hurdle for this roster. Williamson may be on the court tonight, but he’s averaged 36 appearances a season over his career so far.
Predictions
Memphis’s home-court edge and deeper rotation give them the slight advantage, but if New Orleans’s young wings stay hot, it could stay close.
Prediction: Grizzlies 118, Pelicans 110
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans
Kevon Looney — Out (left knee)
Dejounte Murray — Out (Achilles)
Karlo Matković — Doubtful (low back spasms)
Memphis Grizzlies
Brandon Clarke — Out (right knee surgery)
Zach Edey — Out (left ankle surgery)
Ty Jerome — Out (left calf strain)
Scotty Pippen Jr. — Out (left big toe surgery)
Vince Williams Jr. — Out (right heel)
How to Watch Pelicans vs. Grizzlies
Tip-off for tonight’s New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies game is set for 8:10 PM Eastern / 7:10 PM Central at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
The game airs live on FanDuel Sports Network – Southeast, Gulf Coast Sports, and FOX 8 New Orleans.
Fans in the Grizzlies broadcast market without a FanDuel Sports Network subscription can purchase one on Amazon here.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.
Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.
Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 8:10 PM Eastern / 7:10 PM Central
Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Southeast, Gulf Coast Sports, FOX 8 New Orleans
Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)