The Memphis Grizzlies are set to play their home opener on Saturday night against the Orlando Magic, marking their third game in four days. The Magic are in a similar situation, also playing their third game in four days.
Memphis kicked off the season with a narrow win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, followed by a 128-108 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday. The Grizzlies were missing four key rotation players, including Jaren Jackson Jr., who is expected to debut against the Magic after recovering from a preseason hamstring injury.
Ja Morant, who missed most of the 2023-24 season, has started strong for Memphis, scoring 22 points against the Jazz and 24 against the Rockets. Despite leading 65-59 at halftime, the Grizzlies faltered in Houston, being outscored 39-18 in the third quarter and struggling with rebounds.
The Magic impressed in their season opener, defeating Miami, and followed up with a 116-101 win over Brooklyn on Friday. Orlando led by as many as 32 points in their victory over the Heat, with Paolo Banchero scoring 33 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Franz Wagner added 29 points against Brooklyn despite Banchero’s 4-for-13 shooting performance.
Orlando hopes for consistent contributions from offseason acquisition Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who struggled in Miami but scored 10 points against Brooklyn. The Magic are emphasizing 3-pointers early this season, attempting 27 shots from beyond the arc in their opener.
