The Memphis Grizzlies will open their 2026-27 NBA season against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night without Isaiah Stewart, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Stewart’s absence leaves a gap in Memphis’s frontcourt as they host the Jazz at 8 p.m. EDT in Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis ended last season with a 25-57 overall record and a 19-33 mark in Western Conference play. The team averaged 8.8 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while turning the ball over 14.6 times on average. They enter this season aiming to improve on those numbers but will have to start without one of their contributors.
The Utah Jazz will also be without a player, as Jusuf Nurkic is out due to a foot injury. The Jazz finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 22-60 overall record and 12-40 in Western Conference games. Utah’s offense averaged 117.6 points per game, shooting 46.7% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc.
The opening game between two teams coming off tough seasons sets an intriguing tone for the Western Conference. Memphis is favored by 1.5 points, and the over/under is set at 242.5 points. Both teams will be looking to find rhythm early in the season despite the injury setbacks.
Stewart’s ankle issue was confirmed ahead of the game, and the Grizzlies have not provided a timeline for his return. Utah’s Nurkic, a veteran presence in the paint, will also miss the opener with his foot injury.
With both teams missing frontcourt players, the game could see adjustments in rotations and minutes as coaches adapt to the absences. The Grizzlies and Jazz last faced each other during the previous season, but this matchup will be the first time they meet with these current roster conditions.
Fans can expect a competitive game despite the missing players, as both teams look to start the new season on a positive note. The Memphis Grizzlies host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT.
According to Yahoo Sports.