The Emirates NBA Cup is back for its third season, but the first two seasons of its existence weren't kind to the Memphis Grizzlies. They enter this season with a record of 1-7 in their eight NBA Cup games, but appear to be set up for success in their third campaign.
Their group play games will be against familiar foes from their last two groups, with the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Orleans Pelicans on the schedule. Their only victory in the NBA Cup came against the Pelicans last season, but they lost to the Mavericks in the same season and the Lakers in 2023.
The Los Angeles Clippers pose a new threat to the Grizzlies as an opponent in this season's group play setting. While their group play this season presents formidable opponents, the Grizzlies' schedule broke right for them to make a run in this season's NBA Cup.
It's put up or shut up time for Memphis
The NBA schedule announcements for national TV and holiday games have been silent for the Grizzlies since they started being announced last week. They finally found their name on a nationally televised schedule when the NBA announced the NBA Cup schedule, with Memphis playing the Lakers on Amazon Prime on Halloween night (October 31st).
The positive the Grizzlies can take away from the scheduled NBA Cup games is that they will begin their slate with two home games, and play their weakest opponent on the road. The Lakers will come to Memphis for the first group play game on October 31st, followed by the Dallas Mavericks coming to town on November 7th.
The New Orleans Pelicans don't have high expectations going into next season, and will be the Grizzlies' first group play game on the road the day before Thanksgiving. The Grizzlies' kryptonite will ultimately be against the Clippers in Los Angeles the day after Thanksgiving.
Including the play-in tournament, the Grizzlies have lost 11 consecutive games in the state of California since the 2023-24 season. However, they avoid playing both of the Los Angeles teams in their group on the road, which should give them an advantage. The Grizzlies tend to play better when they are doubted, so the NBA Cup provides a prime opportunity for them to get started on the right foot.
The NBA just gifted them with a group slate that gives them a real chance at playing for the NBA Cup championship this season. After horrible results during their first two seasons of group play, the team should be motivated to make a push for the NBA Cup title.