New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies host the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. This early-season matchup is important for both teams as they look to establish momentum, test rotations, and set the tone for the 2025–26 campaign. Memphis will look to take advantage of home court while New Orleans aims to showcase the development of its young core.

The Pelicans enter the game with several absences. Dejounte Murray remains out following a ruptured right Achilles tendon, while Kevon Looney is sidelined with a left knee sprain, and Karlo Matkovic is unavailable due to low back spasms. Younger players like Jeremiah Fears and Yves Missi are expected to see expanded roles. Memphis will also deal with injuries to Brandon Clarke, who is out with a right knee issue, and Zach Edey, sidelined with a left ankle problem. Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. are unavailable as well, but Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are expected to play.

Head coach Willie Green of New Orleans is expected to run a balanced offensive scheme, leaning on Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram for scoring while maintaining defensive discipline. The Pelicans will need to adjust rotations due to missing players, giving younger talents more responsibility on both ends. Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins will emphasize defensive identity while integrating new additions and adjusting to absences. The Memphis Grizzlies are likely to push pace and spacing around Ja Morant to create scoring opportunities while relying on Jaren Jackson Jr. inside.

Media coverage before the game has highlighted the challenges both teams face with injuries. Analysts note Memphis’ depth and experience could provide an advantage despite missing key players, while New Orleans’ young roster has the potential to make the game competitive if bench players step up effectively. The narrative suggests that Memphis’ home court and veteran core might give them a slight edge, but the Pelicans’ offensive upside could keep the matchup close.

Studio analysts are focused on key matchups and rotations, particularly how New Orleans’ young players adapt to expanded minutes and how Memphis manages without Clarke and Edey. Analysts also emphasize the importance of defensive execution, transition play, and turnover management. They agree that the game could provide insight into which team is better prepared to handle early-season adversity and set a foundation for the rest of the season.