The Grizzlies are coming off a very strong preseason win in Atlanta, which featured a high-level performance in the halfcourt offense. Now, the Grizzlies have another interesting subplot to their preseason campaign. Desmond Bane finally makes his much-anticipated return to Memphis after being traded to the Orlando Magic in the 2025 summer.
To remind everyone, the Grizzlies played the Magic twice overseas, meaning that the Grizzlies did not get to play against Desmond Bane in the United States. It has been over a year now since the trade, but Desmond Bane will finally get to play in Memphis as a visitor for the first time tonight.
The Grizzlies and Magic split the season series last year, featuring matchups in Berlin and London. In his two games against the Grizzlies, Desmond Bane averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in 35.5 minutes per game. However, given that it's the preseason opener for the Magic, we will likely see Bane for much less than the 35.5 minutes he averaged against the Grizzlies in both contests.
Bane and the Magic are a fun preseason test for the Grizzlies
Still, it should be an exciting night as Desmond Bane will get to face off against some of his old teammates. Beyond Bane, the Magic are an exciting test with players such as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Plus, Sean Sweeney is entering his first year as the head coach of the Orlando Magic.
The Eastern Conference should be a bloodbath this season, but the Magic, with a healthy Franz Wagner and a new head coach, could be a legitimate factor. It can't be forgotten that they pushed the 1-seed Detroit Pistons to seven games despite some adversity.
For the Grizzlies, they are coming off a 132-123 win in Atlanta to start their preseason slate. The starters and the bench showed promise on both ends, and there was a clear improvement in the halfcourt offense. Now, the Grizzlies will finally get to see Zach Edey make his preseason debut and share the floor with Cam Boozer for the first time.
The Grizzlies have a great chance to build on their strong start to the preseason, but it is worth monitoring the roster bubble and two-way players. Walter Clayton Jr. and Kris Murray will need to have strong performances the rest of the preseason, and Javon Small, who is currently on a two-way, will be looking to have a bounce-back game.
Tonight will be an exciting test for the Grizzlies, and even though its preseason, Desmond Bane will be looking to spoil the party in Memphis.
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