The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2014-15 schedule is out and without further ado, here’s a breakdown of the schedule that hopefully answers some questions and even further sparks your excitement for the 14th chapter of pro hoops in Memphis.
The season starts on Wednesday, Oct. 29 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That’s right Grizzly fans, you get first dibs on seeing No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins play in person. Both Wiggins and fellow rookie Zach LaVine will make their rookie debuts at the “Grindhouse.”
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Here are some of the highlights:
National TV Games
The Grizzlies will play nine (yes, only nine) nationally televised games this season with a lone ESPN appearance and eight appearances on NBATV. The NBA continues the annual tradition with a Grizzly home game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day against the Dallas Mavericks.
ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh has Memphis at the top of a list ranking the “best teams we won’t see much on national TV next season,” while the Los Angeles Lakers (20 nationally televised games) top the list of “not-so-great teams we’ll see a lot on national TV.”
Five Must See Home Games
1. Los Angeles Clippers, Nov. 23.
Blake Griffin vs. Zach Randolph, anything else need to be said? All right then.
2. San Antonio Spurs, Dec. 5.
The defending champs visit the 901 for a Friday night showdown.
3. Chicago Bulls, Dec. 19.
Derrick Rose makes his return to Memphis two weeks later and this time he’s bringing Pau Gasol with him.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder, Jan. 31.
If there’s a team in the league Memphis fans can’t wait to have back it’s the Thunder. Get the towels ready.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers, Mar. 25.
LeBron James. Kevin Love. Kyrie Irving.
Throw in a Mike Miller homecoming and you’re now busy for at least one Wednesday night in March.
Schedule Fun Facts:
- 45 games against 2013-2014 playoff teams
- 18 back-to-backs
- Lionel Hollins’ Brooklyn Nets visit The FedEx Forum on February 10th
- Memphis will have 11 days off for the All-Star Break
- Memphis has a stretch of 4 games in 5 nights from Mar. 3-7 and a stretch of 4 games in 6 nights (Dec. 12-17)
- Four of the seven games in April are on the road
- Memphis has three 4-game road trips
73: the number of days left before the madness begins. Get excited.