The Memphis Grizzlies have an intriguing schedule over the opening couple of weeks this coming season.
It's no secret that expectations are low for the Memphis Grizzlies going into the 2026-27 season.
The organization has committed to a rebuild, and even though there are already some truly exciting pieces in place, outside projections have Memphis winning under 30 games.
But what if the squad gets off to a quick start in the 2026-27 campaign and sparks some optimism about what the rest of the season could look like? A scenario like that isn't as far-fetched as some may think.
The Grizzlies open the season with an interesting schedule over their first seven games, and it could lead to a surprisingly strong start if things click. Let's take a look at those first seven matchups.
Oct. 21 vs. Utah Jazz
The Grizzlies will start their season at FedExForum against the Jazz. Although Utah is expected to take a step forward this season after winning just 22 games last season, this is a home game for Memphis, and the energy in the building could help the Grizzlies open up with a win.
Oct. 23 at Golden State Warriors
The Grizzlies will then start a four-game road trip after their home opener. An early stretch away from home will test a young Memphis team, but the level of competition appears manageable. The first game of the trip will come against a Warriors team that has had a disappointing offseason after falling in the play-in tournament last season.
Oct. 25 at Sacramento Kings
Memphis will then head to Sacramento for a matchup against a Kings team that is expected to be near the bottom of the Western Conference. If the Grizzlies are going to exceed expectations this season, they are going to have to take care of business in games like this.
Oct. 26 at Utah Jazz
Next up will be another game against the Jazz. Beating Utah twice in the span of a week might prove to be tricky, but a split seems like a reasonable expectation. The Grizzlies may be able to gain an edge against the Jazz if they can use some prior knowledge to game plan against old friend Jaren Jackson Jr., but he will likely try to do the same.
Oct. 29 at Portland Trail Blazers
Speaking of old friends, the Grizzlies will then face former franchise cornerstone Ja Morant and the Blazers to finish the road trip. Portland could be a sneaky team in the Western Conference this season, but this is still a game that Memphis could win.
Oct. 31 vs. Sacramento Kings
The Grizzlies will then return home for a game against the Kings. Again, this is a matchup Memphis needs to handle in order to have the type of season the team is hoping for.
Nov. 2 vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The last game for the Grizzlies before their schedule gets significantly harder will come against the Pelicans. New Orleans is another team projected to win under 30 games, and with this being a home game for Memphis, it's another great opportunity.
In Conclusion...
Nobody is expecting the Grizzlies to go 7-0 to start the season, but the schedule does give them a handful of quality chances to pick up wins over the first couple of weeks. A 4-3 start to the campaign seems like a reasonable goal. Anything like 5-2 or better would be a major win.
