The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2020-21 Preseason Schedule Is Set

In a press release, the Memphis Grizzlies announced their 2020-21 preseason schedule. The Grizzlies will play two games at home and two on the road. Each NBA team will play at least one home game and one road game with no team playing more than four.

Memphis two home games will be against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The first is on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and the second will be on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. From there, the Grizzlies will head to Atlanta to face the Hawks, wit the first game coming on Thursday, Dec. 17 and the second on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. The structure of the schedule is such to limit travel amid the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

The NBA, per the release, is also planning to release the 72-game regular season schedule in two parts. The first half (which runs Dec. 22, 2020-March 4, 2021) is expected to be released in the coming days and the second half (which runs March 11-May 16, 2021) will be released towards the end of the first half. The decision to release the schedule in two part comes from the likely occurrence that games will be cancelled amid the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

For the Grizzlies, the preseason will be key for a few reasons. For one, it’ll be good for Taylor Jenkins to get minutes on the floor and play around with some rotation choices before actual games start. For one, will he give John Konchar more minutes now that he’s signed to a guaranteed deal vs. a two-way contract? Will rookie Desmond Bane get minutes, possible trimming away at Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton’s minutes?

There’s also consideration as to how minutes in the frontcourt will be dolled out with both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow set to miss the start of the season. In the loaded Western Conference, every team is going need to win every game possible. Even with the play-in tournament giving the ninth and 10th-best teams in each conference a chance to make the playoffs, there’s not a lot of time to lose games and figure things out — especially in a 72-game season. Barring things injuries, there as many as 14 teams in the Western Conference that could make the playoffs.

Jenkins has a few clear options to replace Jackson Jr. Brandon Clarke would seem likely to get an uptick in minutes and get an opportunity to take on some of Jackson Jr.’s load. Second-round pick Xavier Tillman also seems likely to get time right away because he’s considered ready to contribute from day one. Gorgui Dieng also would seem likely to stay in the rotation, at least until Jackson Jr. is back.

Small forward is a little trickier to figure out. Dillon Brooks is an option, if imperfect. Per Cleaning The Glass, just 28.5% of his minutes last year came at small forward and his skill set is maybe a better fit coming off the bench. Kyle Anderson, who started 28 games last season, would seem to be an option too even if what he does — cutting and slashing, not really shooting three-pointers well — isn’t a good fit with Morant and Melton on the floor. Morant, for all he does well, isn’t a three-point threat. Neither is Melton. Playing all three with no shooting from thee frontcourt is a problem that can’t be schemed away. But barring any other moves, Anderson is probably the best option. Maybe Konchar gets a shot, but it’d be big bet on him for that to happen.

Regardless, the preseason figures to reveal something about the Grizzlies as they start the new season, even if it’s under unusual circumstances and not likely resemble the final product.