This season has the potential to be a redemption song for both Ja Morant and his team, and those stories are very much entwined.

Although his hamstring injury is progressing well, the Grizzlies are choosing to hold out Jaren Jackson Jr. from the season opener while being mindful of his conditioning. 

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Grizzlies Insider: Morant says Memphis ‘way ahead’ in season preparation

Ja Morant said the Grizzlies are way ahead of past preseasons in terms of preparation. Memphis will play the Utah Jazz in its regular season opener. 

From Ja’s return to lineup/rotation guesses and suggestions, catch all 10 of Chris Herrington’s takeaways from preseason play.

The Grizzlies had a two-way roster spot open up after signing point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a standard contract earlier this week.

Ja Morant returned to the FedExForum court on Friday, and he reminded Grizzlies fans why they missed him so much. 

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Box score: Heat 114, Grizzlies 109

Bally Sports rebrands to FanDuel Sports Network

This is the box score for the NBA preseason game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Miami Heat at FedExForum on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

While an NBA truism is that the biggest stars win titles, the belief here is that depth will be of increasing importance in the regular season.

Ja Morant is working through an ankle sprain, while Marcus Smart has some knee soreness. Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to recover from a hamstring strain.

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Jarvis Greer was born in Memphis. Zach Randolph was not. The two love the city just the same. “It’s home,” Z-Bo said.

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Andre Turner headlines 2024 Memphis Sports Hall of Fame inductees

“All coaches and players are talking about buying them dinner and buying them gifts, all that stuff,” Pippen said. “It’s been good fun.”

The “Little General” was one of 11 inductees into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is dealing with a hamstring strain, and Ja Morant has an ankle sprain. Plus, the Grizzlies have added Luke Kennard to the injury list. 

Drew Hill and Chris Herrington predict the order of finish in the East and West ahead of a new NBA season. 

Pippen impressed during summer league and is averaging 10.3 points and 4.3 assists in the preseason. He will give the Grizzlies a full-time backup point guard. 

In a high-stakes season with a massive hole in the middle of its lineup, the Grizzlies have placed a big bet on one of the game’s biggest players.

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Grizzlies sign Scotty Pippen Jr. to standard contract

Rookie center Zach Edey turned in the dominant paint performance that Grizzlies fans hoped to see on Monday at Indiana. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 120, Pacers 116

Grizzlies Insider: Jenkins encouraged, but undecided on backcourt combos

This is the box score for the preseason NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Indiana Pacers played Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.

Taylor Jenkins said the Grizzlies coaching staff is thinking about effective backcourts that do not include Ja Morant. Can the combination of Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart improve this season?

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Yuki Kawamura is learning slang from Santi Aldama and dance moves from Ja Morant. 

Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey and Jay Huff turned in strong performances as the Grizzlies rested several players in a preseason win over the Chicago Bulls. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 124, Bulls 121

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Chicago Bulls in Chicago.

The Grizzlies were missing four of their starters in a low-stakes game, but Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are expected to be in the lineup opening night.

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Box score: Charlotte 119, Memphis 94

Grizzlies Insider: Santi Aldama compares Memphis offense to Olympic play

This is the box score for the preseason NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.

While it isn’t a perfect match, Santi Aldama said the Grizzlies’ new offense compares to Spain’s national team style. It is helping the big man get adjusted more quickly.