Memphis Grizzlies 2023-24 Schedule Breakdown
The Memphis Grizzlies' schedule has been released. Here's what you need to know.
The NBA released their 80-game schedule for next season, as there is a stretch from December 4-9 that’ll be determined through the in-season tournament standings. So, here’s everything you need to know with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The first 25 games of the season
The Memphis Grizzlies will not have Ja Morant for 25 games for a suspension with gun brandishing on Instagram Live (twice). He’ll be eligible to return by the December 19th game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
That part of the schedule isn’t exactly treacherous. When assessing preseason contenders on deck, they will have games against Boston Celtics (home), Los Angeles Lakers (away), Miami Heat (home), and Denver Nuggets (home) — and then two contests with the revamped Phoenix Suns. There are also 3 games against the Dallas Mavericks, which can waver dependent on how you view them.
There will be familiar faces on the other side during this stretch — as they will face Tyus Jones’ Washington Wizards on October 28th, and Dillon Brooks’ Rockets 3 times (11/22, 12/13, 12/15). Alongside these matchups, they have favorable meetings with (a probably new-look) Portland Trail Blazers twice and Utah Jazz three times.
The Grizzlies will need to navigate Ja Morant’s suspension to build a strong start to the season, and the schedule isn’t exactly brutal. It’s totally manageable.
Home Game Big Board
The top-10 most anticipated home games, in my eyes:
Indiana 12/21. This will be the first home game Ja Morant is eligible to play in after his suspension. There should be a nice buzz throughout the city and the arena for this game and this moment.
NOLA 10/25. Opening night, game against a division foe, always a fun time.
Golden State 1/15. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day game is always a special game — a reminder of the progress that’s been made and that’s left to be done, and to honor the ones who’s impacted the progress in the Civil Rights movement. On the other side is the Golden State Warriors —which may be the prolific MLK Day game the Grizzlies have had since MVP Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls came to town in 2012. Also, this is the first Grizzlies/Warriors game of this rivalry without Dillon Brooks on the roster — and apparently the dynasty starts after him.
Phoenix 11/24. I’m an advocate for the in-season tournament. Though there is still some stuff to work out — primarily with proper incentives for finalists — I’m always for making regular season games matter more. I’m ready to see how the Grizzlies go about promoting this game. It won’t be treated like a playoff game, but how will they separate this from a regular season game? Also, a Black Friday 5:00 PM CST game against one of the league’s hyped teams. It could feel like a mini-playoff game.
Lakers 3/27. Obviously, Laker games are anticipated matchups whenever they come to town. Now they carry extra meaning with their playoff series last year — and it could be even more heightened if there are implications on playoff seeding.
Denver 10/27. First Friday night game of the year? The champs are coming to town.
Boston 11/19. This game will be Marcus Smart’s first-ever matchup against the Boston Celtics. It’ll be fascinating to see who he guards and the energy between him and his former teammates.
Houston 12/15. Dillon Brooks’ 1st game in the Grindhouse on the opposing side. Fans will cheer, fans will boo, and the tribute video should be sick. I’m also ready to see how he defends Desmond Bane.
Spurs 1/2. Victor Wembanyama makes his 1st trip to Memphis. Regardless of how good or bad the Spurs may be, this is a can’t-miss game. I am incredibly ecstatic to see the matchup between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Wembanyama.
Orlando 1/26. This is my sicko game. I peg Orlando as this year’s surprise team, and I really like the Paolo/Franz core with their supporting pieces (Wendell Carter Jr., Markelle Fultz, Anthony Black, Jalen Suggs). This game will be a good point of the season for me to assess my take.
Most advantageous stretch
3/1-3/16: Portland, Portland, at Brooklyn, at Philly, Atlanta, at OKC, Washington, Charlotte, OKC
The Memphis Grizzlies should be vying for playoff positioning, and this stretch of games could be crucial for any sort of separation — or any movement up or down — in the standings. Several teams here could be candidates to either catch playoff teams slipping, or to mail it in for lottery prospects. Nonetheless, if the West is as demoralizing as discussed, every game counts. If there’s a moment in the schedule for the Grizzlies to generate momentum, it may fall within this range.
Nearly chose this stretch: Closing time of season: at Orlando, at Detroit, at Milwaukee, home Detroit, home Philly, home San Antonio (3/30-4/9).
Most challenging stretch
(1/5-1/18): at Lakers, at Suns, at Dallas, Clippers, Knicks, Warriors, at Minnesota
Similar to last season, this part of the calendar could help the Grizzlies solidify their contentions status, or assess where they need to bolster the roster at the trade deadline. The quantity and quality of road games make it more challenging, especially as the team faced difficulty away from FedExForum last season. Even the games at the Forum pose their own set of problems against potential contenders. If the Grizzlies can weather the storm and shine through this stretch, they could solidify themselves as a true contender in the Western Conference.
Nearly chose this stretch: (11/12-11/26): at Clippers, at Lakers, at Spurs, home Boston, at Houston, home Phoenix, home Minnesota
Our calendars are set for the next several months. The season is right around the corner. Let it rip.
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