Return to Relevence; Grizzlies Season Opener Preview

The Memphis Grizzlies will look to get back to winning ways in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, after a year riddled with injuries and stalled by the Ja Morant suspension.

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Grizzlies and the Jazz face off  at 9 p.m. in the Delta Center tonight in what will be both teams season opener. 

The two teams finished 12 and 13 in the west last season, with the Jazz going 31-51, and the Grizzlies going 27-55. The Jazz won the season series, going 2-1 against the Grizzlies.

The Jazz have won four straight at home against the Grizzlies, their last home loss to Memphis back in 2021.

The Grizzlies already have an extensive list of names on the IR, with some key pieces out already for their first matchup: Jaren Jackson Jr., GG Jackson II, Luke Kennard, Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer. JJJ, and Kennard are both expected to make their return before November, though.

The Jazz are missing Johnny Juzang and Isaiah Collier, who also have quick return times.

The Grizzlies went 3-2 in preseason while the Jazz went 4-2. The Jazz are looking to mimic the hot start they had last year, while the Grizzlies hope to forget everything about their 23-24 regular season.

The Grizzlies are 2.5 point favorites according to ESPN

 My Prediction: Grizzlies 112- 103 Jazz