Grizzlies Face Uphill Battle Entering 2025–26 Season

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Memphis, TN — As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to tip off the 2025–26 NBA season, optimism is clouded by uncertainty. The franchise enters the fall with a new head coach, a reshaped backcourt, and a long list of injury concerns — most notably to franchise cornerstone Ja Morant, whose sprained ankle leaves his status for the Oct. 22 opener against the New Orleans Pelicans in doubt.

What was expected to be a year of resurgence is now being framed by questions of depth, resilience, and whether Memphis can stay afloat in a competitive Western Conference until its stars return.

The story starts — and in many ways ends — with Ja Morant. The All-Star guard sprained his ankle during practice on Oct. 5 and is officially listed as week-to-week. His absence, even for a short stretch, is a seismic blow for a team that struggled to find rhythm last year and exited the playoffs in the first round.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo, hired permanently in May after a strong interim stint, will be tasked with adjusting the offense without Morant’s speed and explosiveness.

Unfortunately for Memphis, Morant is far from the only injury concern. Jaren Jackson Jr., the team’s defensive anchor, is recovering from turf toe surgery. Zach Edey, a 7’4” rookie center, remains limited as he returns from ankle surgery, while Brandon Clarke is sidelined following a knee procedure.

This leaves the Grizzlies relying on role players and rookies in expanded roles earlier than expected, raising questions about how quickly Iisalo can install consistency.

While the injuries dominate headlines, there is also excitement surrounding Iisalo. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he has already earned praise from Morant for his communication and structure. The Finnish coach inherits a roster in transition and will lean on discipline and ball movement to keep Memphis competitive.

The Grizzlies made waves this offseason by trading Desmond Bane, a homegrown star, in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and draft assets. The move adds depth but changes the Grizzlies’ backcourt identity. Caldwell-Pope brings championship pedigree and defensive toughness, while Anthony’s scoring punch will be vital while Morant is sidelined.

One bright spot has been the emergence of rookie Cedric Coward, a second-round pick who has impressed in training camp. His energy and versatility have already forced the coaching staff to rethink depth charts at forward and center. If Coward continues to develop, he could be one of the surprises of Memphis’ season.

Memphis’ season begins on Oct. 22 against the Pelicans, a team loaded with offensive weapons. With Morant’s availability uncertain, Memphis could be forced to lean on its supporting cast and new acquisitions immediately. Early-season tests against Western Conference contenders will reveal just how well the Grizzlies can weather adversity.

Before the regular season tips off, Memphis faces the Detroit Pistons in a preseason matchup worth watching. Detroit arrives with one of the East’s most intriguing young rosters, led by Cade Cunningham, who earned All-NBA Third Team honors last year after averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds.

Other Pistons storylines include:

• Jaden Ivey returning from injury with his signature burst.
   
• Ausar Thompson, a defensive stopper with playmaking upside.
   
• Jalen Duren, entering his fourth season stronger and more polished inside.
   
• Chaz Lanier, a rookie sharpshooter already turning heads in camp.
   
• Marcus Sasser, competing for backup point guard minutes.
   

For the Grizzlies, this preseason contest is less about results and more about evaluating depth, experimenting with rotations, and seeing how newcomers mesh within Iisalo’s system.

The Western Conference will not wait for Memphis to get healthy. If the Grizzlies hope to keep playoff aspirations alive, they will need Caldwell-Pope, Anthony, and emerging players like Coward to carry the load until Morant and Jackson Jr. return.

Injuries have left more questions than answers, but one thing is clear: the Grizzlies’ resilience will be tested from Day One.