The Memphis Grizzlies enter their October 22, 2025 home matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans with confidence, looking to impose their physical identity and reassert themselves as one of the most disciplined and cohesive units in the Western Conference. Playing at FedExForum, Memphis will look to feed off the energy of one of the league’s most passionate home crowds, where their fast-paced, defensive-minded brand of basketball thrives. The Grizzlies’ formula remains built around controlling tempo, dominating the boards, and suffocating opponents with pressure defense that limits easy points in transition. Ja Morant remains the spark plug, and his ability to blend speed, creativity, and scoring will be central to breaking down the Pelicans’ defense. When Morant attacks downhill, Memphis’s spacing and motion offense become lethal—Desmond Bane’s perimeter shooting and playmaking keep defenders honest, while Jaren Jackson Jr.’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim adds balance at both ends. Jackson’s matchup with Jonas Valančiūnas will be pivotal, as his ability to defend without fouling and to convert second-chance opportunities could dictate the Grizzlies’ rhythm early. On the defensive end, Marcus Smart’s leadership and on-ball intensity give Memphis a strategic advantage, particularly in containing CJ McCollum and disrupting the Pelicans’ backcourt flow.

The Grizzlies will focus on forcing New Orleans into tough midrange looks, cutting off passing lanes to Zion Williamson, and collapsing the paint when he drives. Memphis’s depth, one of its most consistent strengths, will again play a major role—Luke Kennard’s shooting, Santi Aldama’s versatility, and Derrick Rose’s veteran savvy provide stability and scoring when the starters rest. Offensively, the Grizzlies will aim to push the pace after defensive stops, hunting early transition opportunities before New Orleans can set its defense. When slowed into half-court play, Memphis will rely on movement and patience to exploit mismatches and open perimeter looks. They’ll need to stay disciplined, as overhelping against the Pelicans’ drive-heavy attack can open kick-out opportunities that swing momentum quickly. Expect Memphis to emphasize rebounding as well; securing the glass and limiting the Pelicans to one shot per possession will be critical to maintaining control. If the Grizzlies’ defense remains locked in and their secondary scorers find rhythm early, Memphis can build separation and dictate the pace. This game also serves as a measuring stick for their continued evolution—how well they blend their trademark toughness with improved offensive efficiency and composure in crunch time. With Morant’s explosiveness, Bane’s consistency, and Jackson’s interior presence, the Grizzlies have the tools to make life difficult for New Orleans and protect their home floor. If they execute their defensive schemes, capitalize on turnovers, and keep their offensive spacing fluid, Memphis will be well-positioned to open their season with an emphatic statement win that reaffirms their place among the conference’s most complete teams.