The Grizzlies are having a forgettable preseason, with a 0-4 record, and one game remaining against the Miami Heat on October 17th. Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. made a surprise return in their preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets, but without all of their point guard rotation, the Grizzlies surrendered 145 points in a loss.
Jaren Jackson Jr.'s timeline had him out until the start of the season, but he was able to return one week earlier and scored 17 points on 7-20 shooting as he works his way back into a rhythm. The Grizzlies' defense has been horrid throughout the preseason, and even the former Defensive Player of the Year winner couldn't offset their struggles.
Whether their defensive issues stem from a lack of effort, adjustments to the new coaching system, or the absence of key players, the Grizzlies are not entering the regular season with any positive momentum at the moment.
Injuries continue to be the main talking point of the team
The Grizzlies have ended each of their last four seasons missing someone of importance due to an injury. Three of those seasons ended with Ja Morant being the player out with an injury to end their season. He hasn't played a preseason game due to an ankle sprain he suffered ahead of their first game against the Detroit Pistons.
He is expected to return for the season opener, if not for a potential dress rehearsal game in their preseason finale. However, despite having both he and Jaren Jackson Jr. back in tow, they have missed valuable time playing with their new teammates and under coach Tuomas Iisalo's system, which he is implementing fully after a limited time at the end of last season.
Their center position looks to be the worst on the team, as expected with the injuries to Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke to start the season. Rim protection has been bad and didn't get better immediately in Jackson Jr.'s return. The Grizzlies' injuries have made this team's potential hard to gauge heading into the regular season.
For a team that was hoping to finally get some luck in that department after years of unluckiness, the start to the new season doesn't breed confidence that it can turn around. The regular season begins next week, and the team hasn't had a chance to play with their current collection of guys who will be available to start the season. Something has to give if the Grizzlies want to be competitive in the Western Conference this season.