Let’s Hoop: Grizzlies Schedule Breakdown
The NBA schedule is out and my instant reaction is that there are a lot of games crammed into a small space. Profound, right? I knew the basic framework of the schedule when it was released last week so it should’t have been a surprise, but you can’t fully take it in until you see it with teams and dates attached. The schedule is going to be brutal for every team and the Grizzlies are no exception. Aside from the the all-star break the Grizzlies don’t have two days off in a row until March.
I could analyze the schedule from a difficulty standpoint but honestly between injuries, trades and surprise teams who can say whether a team will be a tough opponent two months from now. Instead, I’m going to give you all the info you need about the home slate. Being a season ticket holder, the first things I looked for were notable opponents and weekend games so that’s how we will break the schedule down.
Notable Games
You will notice the absence of the Heat and Celtics on this list. That’s because the Grizz play each team once on the road but that’s it.
Wednesday 12/28 vs. Thunder
The Grizzlies open their home schedule against the team that defeated them in seven games to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Not only that but the Thunder figure to be the Grizzlies most likely rival over the next several seasons. They are both small market teams with relatively young cores. Of course, Kevin Durant is also worth the price of admission.
Tuesday 1/10 vs. Thunder
Thursday 1/12 vs. Knicks on TNT
Obviously, the Knicks are a big draw because of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. This will be the first nationally televised game of the year for the Grizz as they make a rare appearance on TNT’s Thursday night slate. This represents one of two TNT appearances and the only one at home. The other is January 26 at the Clippers.
Monday 1/16 vs. Bulls
This is the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day game televised by ESPN. It’s a noon start but a really cool event to attend or watch on TV if you can get out of work . Of course, the game itself is also a big one as former Tiger Derrick Rose and the Bulls are the opponent.
Monday 1/30 vs. Spurs
Monday 2/6 vs. Spurs
Wednesday 2/29 Mavericks
Tuesday 3/13 Lakers
The Grizzlies play the Lakers three times this season but only once at home. The other home game was one of the casualties of the shortened season. This will be the only chance for the “Laker fans” to see their team in the Forum this season. Here’s hoping the Grizz fans do a better job of boxing out this year.
Saturday 4/7 vs. Mavericks
The second of two trips to Memphis for the reigning world champs. As it currently stands, this is the best weekend game the Grizzlies have on the schedule.
Monday 4/9 vs. Clippers
Another two there, one here series. This will be Blake Griffin’s only regular season trip to Memphis.
Weekend Breakdown
Friday Games
12/30 vs. Rockets
2/10 vs. Pacers
2/17 vs. Nuggets
3/16 vs. Raptors
Saturday Games
1/14 vs. Hornets
1/21 vs. Kings
2/18 vs. Warriors
3/3 vs. Pistons
4/7 vs. Mavericks
4/14 vs. Jazz
4/21 vs. Trail Blazers
Sunday Games
2/12 vs. Jazz on ESPN 8:30 CT
3/18 vs. Wizards