The Memphis Grizzlies open their 2026-27 NBA season at home against the Utah Jazz on October 21, capping a preseason where they flashed potential but remained a major wild card. Coming off a 25-57 campaign, the Grizzlies have overhauled their roster with youth, leaving only three players with more than four years of NBA experience. Their final preseason test was a 116-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets on October 16.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo enters his second full season with a group better suited to his system. The team's potential strengths are clear. Rebounding should be a major asset, especially with the addition of rookie big man Zach Edey. Improved three-point shooting and greater overall depth are also expected to help Memphis compete on a nightly basis.
Their 3-1 preseason record, including victories over the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, showed glimpses of this. They put up 132 points in that win against the Hawks. This roster has more options, which should prevent the kind of depth issues that plagued them last year.
Inexperience is the biggest question mark. A lack of proven shot creation outside of rookie phenom Cam Boozer is a concern. Perimeter defense is another area that could be problematic against veteran NBA guards. The team's performance will hinge on how quickly its young core adapts to the league's pace and physicality.
How they handle these weaknesses in the first half will be telling. If they struggle, the front office may decide to trade veteran players before the deadline to accumulate more future assets.
The Grizzlies tip off the regular season at FedExForum against the Utah Jazz. This game will provide the first real data point on whether the preseason optimism is justified. While the 104-100 win over Chicago and the high-scoring affair against Atlanta were positive, the regular season is a different beast.
All eyes will be on how Cam Boozer and Zach Edey perform in their official NBA debuts. Their development, alongside the growth of other young players under Iisalo, will define this season. The coming 82-game journey promises plenty of unpredictability for a franchise in transition.
