MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies begin a new chapter Wednesday night when they open the NBA season at home against the Utah Jazz, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. Eastern time and Ja Morant no longer on the roster.
Morant, a two-time All-Star who spent seven seasons in Memphis, was traded to Portland in the offseason after several suspensions and a string of injuries. He was the last of the three cornerstones the franchise moved, after Desmond Bane went to Orlando and Jaren Jackson Jr. was sent to Utah within the past year and a half.
Ty Jerome now runs the point for second-year coach Tuomas Iisalo. The young core includes Zach Edey, the 7-foot-4 big man in the middle, Cedric Coward, now in his second season on the wing, and rookie Cameron Boozer, the former Duke All-American taken third overall in the 2026 draft. Boozer averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds in college and, at 19, may be the youngest player in the league this season.
Edey had two surgeries on his left ankle earlier this year and was held to 11 games early last season, but he played in the preseason and looked healthy. The Grizzlies will be without Isaiah Stewart, who is out with an ankle injury.
Both teams are trying to climb out of a rough year. Memphis went 25-57 last season, its fewest wins since 2017-18, and was 19-33 against Western Conference opponents. Utah finished 22-60, averaging 117.6 points per game.
The Jazz will lean on No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson of Kansas at point guard, along with Jackson, who played only three games for Utah last season before having surgery on his left knee. The opener gives Memphis fans their first look at Jackson in a visiting uniform.
Section: More Memphis TN sports news
Memphis sports business profiles
Filed under: Memphis TN Sports News
