Grizzlies 2024-25 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions

After a 2023-24 campaign that was largely defined by injuries, the Memphis Grizzlies will look to remain healthy as the team navigates through the 2024-25 season.

The Grizzlies finished with a record of 27-55, although their path towards a playoff appearance in 2025 is much clearer compared to the other 2024 lottery teams.

Memphis' return to the postseason will largely rest on Ja Morant's shoulders, as the star point guard was limited to just nine contests last season due to a 25-game suspension as well as a shoulder injury. It's worth noting that the Grizzlies finished with a 6-3 record in his nine appearances, showing signs of the team that won 107 regular-season games over the previous two years.

Morant will also look to build chemistry with Marcus Smart, as the former Boston Celtics guard made just 20 starts with Memphis following a June 2023 trade before he suffered a season-ending finger injury.

Head coach Taylor Jenkins' team will feature several familiar faces, as Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are expected to maintain their starting spots. In Morant's absence, Jackson averaged a career-high 22.5 points per game during his 2023-24 campaign.

The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year will be joined by another imposing figure in the frontcourt, as the Grizzlies used the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA draft on former Iowa center Zach Edey.

After measuring in at the draft combine with a 7'10.75" wingspan to go along with his 7'4" height, Edey could form an intriguing pick-and-roll duo with Morant if he's able to mitigate the defensive concerns surrounding his lack of lateral quickness.

Here's a closer look at Memphis' schedule as the team attempts to make the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons.

2024-25 Grizzlies Schedule Details

Season Opener: at Utah Jazz, Wednesday, October 23, 9 p.m. ET

Championship Odds: +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000), per FanDuel

Full Schedule: The full schedule is available on NBA.com.

Top Matchups

Minnesota Timberwolves

The 2022 NBA playoffs contained several hard-fought matchups, although the series between the Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves might have been the most memorable first-round clash.

Memphis defeated Minnesota in six games, while the final three games of the series were decided by 11 combined points. Although players that provided some on-court theatrics such as Dillon Brooks and Patrick Beverley are no longer on each respective team, the two squads should still go down to the wire several times next season.

The individual battle between Morant and Anthony Edwards features two of the NBA's top young stars, while the frontcourt clash between Edey and Jackson against Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns should surpass expectations.

The Timberwolves are coming off a commendable 2023-24 season, winning 56 games and earning a trip to the Western Conference Finals after finishing the regular season with the No. 1 defensive rating in the league (via NBA.com). Meanwhile, Memphis ended Morant's last healthy season in 2022-23 with the No. 3 defensive rating in the association.

It wouldn't be surprising to see a playoff rematch between both teams in 2025.

Oklahoma City Thunder

While a slow-paced battle between two defensive-minded teams should be intriguing, it'll also be interesting to see how Memphis fares against one of the NBA's top offenses.

Morant didn't have a chance to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the team's breakout 2023-24 season, earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with improved performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as well as the breakout rookie season of Chet Holmgren.

Oklahoma City also bolstered its frontcourt during the offseason, signing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency following his commendable 2023-24 campaign with the New York Knicks.

The Thunder paced the Western Conference by averaging 120.1 points per game last season, finishing the regular season with a 57-25 record before falling to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the playoffs.

With both teams poised to remain near the top of the West standings for the foreseeable future, the first fully-healthy clash between the two squads should be highly competitive. It's also fair to assume that Morant won't be deterred by a shot-blocker such as Holmgren, as he's shown the ability to finish over larger defenders in the paint.

Season Forecast

Although the Grizzlies are coming off a 27-win season, they should be confident heading into 2024-25.

Health is the main obstacle for Memphis, which could be an issue as Morant and Jackson have struggled to stay on the court for more than 70 games throughout their respective careers.

When Jenkins' rotation is fully healthy, the depth that the Grizzlies have isn't matched by many other contending teams. Desmond Bane is returning after averaging 23.7 points per game last season, looking comfortable in an expanded role.

Memphis also has 19-year-old forward GG Jackson and 23-year-old guard Vince Williams as depth pieces, with both players averaging at least 10 points per game last season. Jackson also shot 35.7 percent from behind the arc, earning All-Rookie second-team honors.

There should still be a strong veteran presence on the roster, as Derrick Rose is set to return after appearing in 24 games with the team last season. Shooting guard Luke Kennard's team option was declined by Memphis on June 29, although ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that both sides are eager to pursue a restructured deal.

Edey's first season could also impact the Grizzlies' place in the Western Conference standings, as it may be risky to rely on a rookie to immediately contribute on a playoff contender.

Still, the Grizzlies have a deep team that is led by one of the best point guards in the association. While injuries may prevent them from securing another 50-win season, they should still be fighting for a spot among the top four teams in the West.

Record Prediction: 49-33