Game Preview: Grizzzlies Open the Season at Home Vs Pelicans

Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans 

WHEN: 7:00 PM CT

WHERE: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: Bally Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis

INJURY REPORT:

MEMPHIS: Steven Adams (Out- RT Knee PCL Sprain), Santi Aldama (Out – RT Ankle Sprain), Brandon Clarke (Out – LT Achilles Tendon Repair), Ja Morant (Out – League Suspension)

NEW ORLEANS: Jose Alvarado (Out – right ankle sprain), Naji Marshall (Out – right knee contusion), Trey Murphy (Out – left knee partial meniscectomy)

Projected Starters:

NO: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas

MEM: Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Xavier Tillman Sr., Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies are finally back in action and will open their 2023-24 regular season with their division rivals, the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams have lofty expectations in a loaded Western Conference but also deal with some key losses to start the season. Here are three things to watch for as the Grizzlies try to open the season.

Frontcourt Depth Issues

Before his injury last season, the Grizzlies were 31-15 with Adams in the starting lineup, so hearing he will be out for the season is a brutal blow. His role is vital for the Grizzlies on both ends, and it will be hard to replace his impact, especially since Brandon Clarke will also be out for the season. One player who will try to make up for those losses this season is Santi Aldama, but he sprained his ankle and could miss a few games as well. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman will get the start, but after that, it’s uncertain how Coach Taylor Jenkins will approach the rotation. With Zion Williamson and Jonás Valanciunas on the other end, it could be hard for the Grizzlies to match up with the Pels’ size. One player to watch is David Roddy, who has the strength and physicality to match up with Williamson defensively, if needed. I’d also expect Coach Jenkins to give Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Jake LaRavia some looks at playing the four off the bench.

Marcus Smart’s Debut

The biggest acquisition of the Grizzlies season didn’t get to see the floor much in preseason, but so far, he has fit in seamlessly with what this team wants to do both on and off the court. Smart will be asked to carry the point guard responsibilities until Ja Morant’s return and guard the best perimeter player on the other end most nights. It’s not an easy task, but it’s one that Smart is uniquely equipped to handle.

Don’t expect it to be a perfect fit on night one, but Smart definitely played well in his only preseason game within the Grizzlies system. His ability as a connective passer and pick-and-roll ball handler should definitely help the Grizzlies’ offense. Additionally, his defensive versatility is something the Grizzlies need desperately after the loss of Dillon Brooks this off-season. 

Desmond Bane’s Ascension

After signing the largest deal in Grizzlies history this summer, the main player to watch tonight is definitely Desmond Bane. During preseason, he averaged 22 points despite sitting in all of the fourth quarters; he has continued to elevate his off-the-dribble game.  Coming into the year, it’s clear Bane is ready for the extra scoring responsibility early on, along with improved playmaking. Many people have All-Star expectations for Bane, and the Grizzlies will need that level of play to succeed early on.

The Grizzlies will start the season without their ideal starting five, but over the last few years, they have proven the ability to overcome that. They also had the best home record in the NBA last season and were undefeated there in preseason, for what it’s worth. Expect them to get off to a good start in front of their home crowd.