The Grizzlies and Spurs' regular season series has been lopsided by either side throughout its existence. The Spurs lead the all-time series 76-42 (56-39 since the Grizzlies moved to Memphis from Vancouver), but the Grizzlies have been dominating lately as winners of 16 of their last 18 games since the beginning of 2021.
However, the tide appears to be tilting back to at least an even scale as the Spurs are projected to have more wins than the Grizzlies by many Sportsbook sites next season. Last season, the Grizzlies finished 14 games ahead of the Spurs in the West standings, but lost the last of their four-game season series against the Spurs.
Their final game last season was marred by injuries to both teams, but it might have signaled a changing of the guard as newly acquired De'Aaron Fox hit the game-winning shot. He was just signed to an extension to begin the Spurs' transition to an era surrounded by him, Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.
The Grizzlies are expected to take a step back after trading Desmond Bane, but being an underdog is where they are excellent at the most. To hold off the Spurs, the Grizzlies must do a little more than play the underdog card.
Ensure Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. remain healthy
There is nothing they can definitively do to help keep their stars healthy for the majority of the season, but that is crucial to their success overall, not just against the Spurs. Ja Morant hasn't played the minimum 65 games needed to be eligible for postseason awards since his rookie season.
Last season, he only played 50 games, which could prove detrimental to the Grizzlies if that happens again, especially if Wembanyama and Fox get rolling in their first full season together. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the Grizzlies' most reliable player for availability the last two seasons, so the team will have to bank on that remaining the case.
Continuous development for the young core
After Wembanyama and Fox, the Spurs have the reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, and the number two overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, Dylan Harper. After Morant and Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have the reigning Rookie of the Year finalist, Jaylen Wells, All-Rookie first team member, Zach Edey, and the 11th overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, Cedric Coward.
Both teams have established stars and talented young cores. The Grizzlies will need elevated second seasons from Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey, and either GG Jackson or Cedric Coward to show that they are the future at the wing position to hold off the expected ascension of the Spurs and their young core.