Predicting the Grizzlies' first 10 games of the 2024-25 season

The most anticipated season in Grizzlies history is officially here and the first ten games will determine what the fan base has to look forward to. 82 games is a long season, but as the team's 2-8 record at the start of last season shows, promotion can be an impossible task, especially in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies began the 2022-23 season with a 7-3 record and the 2021-22 season with a 6-4 record through the first 10 games of those seasons. Both seasons ended with the second-best record in the Western Conference.

With the season starting tonight in Salt Lake City, Utah, here's a prediction of how the Grizzlies will fare in their first ten games:

Due to the difficult road conditions and the altitude, it is a difficult duel to start the regular season. However, taking on a team that isn't considered competitive in the Western Conference sets a good standard for the rest of the season.

The Grizzlies' first test against a formidable Western Conference rival will be a challenge. The expected absences of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Luke Kennard will hurt the team against a fully loaded and paid Rockets team.

The second night of a clash is always tough, especially when you have to travel and both opponents are good. The likely return of Jaren Jackson Jr. will give the team additional impetus to win the opener at home.

Here too, the priority must be to assert ourselves against weaker opponents, especially at home.

The Grizzlies probably won't go undefeated against every team worse than them, but the return of a familiar face they traded for this summer (Ziaire William) should be reason enough to win this game.

Back-to-back home games aren't as tough as away games, but the Bucks are thinking about revenge after losing twice to the Grizzlies last season.

The Grizzlies' first two-day rest break should give them renewed vigor this year. However, the 76ers are an Eastern Conference contender, and the uncertainty surrounding the status of Vince Williams Jr. and Luke Kennard makes that situation difficult to overcome if they stay out.

Losing two games in a row to good teams will be the motivation the Grizzlies need to hold their own against the Nets and win the season series.

The Grizzlies' first nationally televised game that isn't on NBA television will be one they're rooting for, especially against the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last time out.

At home, taking care of weaker opponents is even more important, so expect the Grizzlies to stay in attack mode in this game. They may even have a few extra players in the rotation by this game.