Memphis Grizzlies Get Limited National TV Games in 2026-27
The Memphis Grizzlies will have one of the NBA's lightest national television schedules in the 2026-27 season, with the team set to appear in just two nationally televised games. Last result: Houston Rockets 132-101 Memphis Grizzlies (2026-04-13). The Grizzlies are tied with four teams for the fewest nationally televised game appearances. The Chicago Bulls have three national games, just one more than the Grizzlies.
What Happened?
The NBA released the official 2026-27 schedule for each team on August 13. The Memphis Grizzlies will have two national television games, with the first coming against the Houston Rockets on January 18 as part of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) on Peacock. The second game will be against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 6 on Amazon Prime.
Why it Matters for Memphis Grizzlies
While Memphis will be featured in only two nationally televised games, its MLK Day appearance carries added significance because of Martin Luther King Jr.'s connection to the city, where he spent the final days of his life. The NBA also recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, highlighting his legacy and featuring players discussing his significance and impact on their lives.
What Comes Next?
The matchup against the Trail Blazers will set the stage for two rebuilding teams. Although fans may disagree with the schedule and want to see the Grizzlies appear in more nationally televised games, it could help with the team's morale. Often, younger teams can be scheduled for too many televised games, and when they are blown out, it can impact team morale, affect player development, or cause frustration with the fan base.
Cameron Boozer Leads a New Era in Memphis
Cameron Boozer, who is the new face of the franchise, will lead the organization into the next chapter. He was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and selected No. 27 for his jersey to honor his mother. The Duke product averaged 18 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field in the Salt Lake City Summer League. On the flip side, he averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the Las Vegas Summer League. He was one of the most consistent players throughout the summer and helped lead the team to a championship, earning him All-Summer League First-Team honors.
Projected Starting Lineup for 2026-27
The projected starting lineup for 2026-27 could feature Scotty Pippen Jr., Cedric Coward, Jerami Grant, Boozer, and Zach Edey. The Grizzlies will be a young team that will depend on its youth to run against experienced teams.
