The Memphis Grizzlies fell 122-118 to the Orlando Magic in preseason action, offering early insights into the roster as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign. While the final score doesn't count in the standings, individual performances from GG Jackson, Cam Boozer, and rookie Zach Edey provided talking points for a team looking to improve.
GG Jackson put together his second straight strong preseason performance. He finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds, showing the scoring pop that has defined his young career. This year is big for Jackson, who is in the final year of his contract. He needs to prove his skills translate to a team competing for a playoff spot, not only in games without stakes.
Cam Boozer also looked impressive. The forward scored 16 points on efficient 4-for-7 shooting, adding 6 rebounds and 2 assists in 22 minutes. He got to the free throw line often, making 6 of 7 attempts. Boozer's aggression and versatility, playing both on and off the ball, could be a major asset for the Grizzlies' offensive schemes this season.
Simply having Zach Edey on the floor was a positive. The rookie center played 10 minutes, and his progress so far has been called the "best-case scenario" by assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo. President of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman had been non-committal about Edey's preseason availability, so his participation is a clear win for his development timeline.
The Grizzlies dug themselves a deep hole early, trailing 36-18 in the first quarter. A primary culprit was awful free throw shooting. At that point, the team was a dismal 6-for-12 from the line. They never fully recovered, with Scotty Pippen Jr. notably going 1-for-4. In a close game, those missed points were costly.
Rim protection was another issue, especially when Edey was pulled away from the basket. Orlando's Wendell Carter Jr. hit a three-pointer early, forcing Edey to respect his shot on the perimeter. That opened driving lanes, and the Magic found easy success at the rim. Without Edey or Isaiah Stewart anchoring the paint, the Grizzlies' weakside defense struggled to contain Orlando's attacks.
Preseason games are for evaluation, and the Grizzlies got a mixed bag. The bright spots from Jackson and Boozer are encouraging for wing depth. But the defensive lapses and poor free throw shooting are habits.
Integrating Edey slowly while shoring up the team's fundamental weaknesses will be the focus. The front office and coaching staff will use these games to finalize rotations before the real games begin. Fans can track the team's progress and view the upcoming schedule as the Grizzlies aim to turn preseason lessons into regular-season wins.
