Grizzlies face tough stretch to open 2021-22
The Grizzlies can plan for the 202122 season with their schedule laid out.
The best thing is there’s no weird time crunch with the NBA back to 82 scheduled games. For example, the Grizzlies won’t play four games in five nights like they did twice last season.
What else should fans think about the schedule? Here’s some takeaways as the Grizzlies count down to their season opener Oct. 20 hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Brutal start
The Grizzlies got no favors to start the season. After the Cavaliers, their next eight games are against playoff teams, including a four-game road trip against the Clippers, Lakers, Trail
Blazers and Warriors.
The next four games? At home with the Heat, two games hosting the Nuggets and a date at the Wizards.
It might not be all bad since the Clippers won’t have Kawhi Leonard to start the season because of an ACL injury. But the Grizzlies have to come out sharp fast or they’ll be in trouble.
More national respect
The Grizzlies’ seven games on ESPN and TNT is the most they’ve had since 2015-16 when they had 10 games. It’s proof the league sees Ja Morant as one of their bright young stars to continue spotlighting.
It’s also praise for one of the NBA’S youngest teams making the playoffs. Now, they must take advantage. Five of those games come before the All-star break, including three in January with the Mavericks, Bulls and Spurs.
Morant’s star power and ability are bringing more eyeballs to the Grizzlies. But if the Grizzlies want to keep earning respect as a team on the rise, they’ll have more chances to impress in front of a national audience.
Early home cooking
Despite the tough start, the Grizzlies have 17 of their first 28 games at home. With arenas expected back to full capacity, that’s a good sign for fans who couldn’t watch last season.
Those home games include the Nuggets (Nov. 1, 3), Clippers (Nov. 18), the Mavericks (Dec. 8) and Lakers (Dec. 9). The Grizzlies also welcome the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns on Nov. 12.
But fans should also be excited for the young stars coming here. Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves (Nov.
8). Rookie of the Year Lamelo Ball and the Hornets (Nov. 10). Trae Young and the Hawks (Nov. 26).
If fans missed seeing the Grizzlies live, they’re in for a treat with great action early on.
Toughest stretch
The All-star break is always a relief but the Grizzlies might be even more thrilled because from Jan. 19 to Feb. 16, they play 10 of 14 games on the road.
The first seven games are the hardest starting with a four-game road trip at the Bucks, Nuggets, Mavericks and Spurs. The Grizzlies come home for a back-to-back with the Jazz and Wizards (Jan. 28-29) then start another road trip with the 76ers.
Another tough stretch? The final 10 games of the season where all but one opponent made the playoffs or play-in tournament. Seven games are at home but the Grizzlies host the Nets, Pacers, Bucks, Warriors, Suns, Pelicans and Celtics. Simply put, the Grizzlies’ hopes for a second consecutive playoff berth will be harder this season.
Will fans finally see James Wiseman?
Jonas Valanciunas has to wait until March 8 to return to Fedexforum with the New Orleans Pelicans. Grayson Allen? The same problem with the Bucks coming March 26.
Both former Grizzlies should get cheers but one return fans should hope for is James Wiseman. The Warriors center and former Memphis Tigers standout missed both road games against the Grizzlies last season due to the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
If he’s recovered from MCL surgery in right knee, Jan. 11 could be Wiseman’s first game at Fedexforum since Nov. 8, 2019. It adds another subplot to the Grizzlies facing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the team they beat to reach the playoffs last season.