The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies open their preseason schedules against each other on October 8, 2026, in Memphis. Both teams are in transition, with the Grizzlies having traded two cornerstone players and the Magic looking to build on a second-place Southeast Division finish.
The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies kick off their 2026-27 preseason campaigns against each other on October 8, 2026, at FedExForum. Both teams enter the contest with significant questions: the Magic are looking to build on their second-place finish in the Southeast Division, while the Grizzlies are integrating a new-look core after trading two cornerstone players this offseason. With no regular-season games played yet, this exhibition will be an early barometer for both franchises as they sort out rotations and chemistry.
Orlando Magic: Building on Southeast Momentum
The Magic finished second in the Southeast Division last season, though their overall record is not available. They have not played a game yet this preseason, so this matchup marks their first action of the 2026-27 campaign. Orlando’s offseason was relatively quiet, but the team remains part of the NBA’s parity conversation—the league has seen eight different champions in eight years, and the Magic are among the 22 teams not in that recent winner’s circle. Their standing in ESPN’s power rankings will be a key indicator of how the roster is viewed after free agency. Orlando will also be monitoring their group draw for the 2026 NBA Cup, which was recently revealed. No injury report is available for the Magic, and with no prior preseason games, expect head coach Jamahl Mosley to experiment with lineups and give extended minutes to younger players.
Memphis Grizzlies: A New Era After Big Trades
The Grizzlies enter this preseason in transition, having traded two cornerstone players during the offseason—a move that has reshaped the roster and raised questions about the team’s direction. Memphis finished fifth in the Southwest Division last season, and no recent game results or player stat lines are available. The franchise is also dealing with the tragic loss of forward Brandon Clarke, whose death was ruled by the Los Angeles County medical examiner to be from the effects of heroin and cocaine. This somber backdrop adds an emotional layer to the team’s preseason preparations. The Grizzlies’ next confirmed game is a preseason road matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on October 5, 2026, three days before hosting Orlando. With no injury report available, Memphis will likely use these early games to evaluate their new core and integrate rookie talent.
Head-to-Head: Preseason Priorities and X-Factors
In a preseason opener, the primary focus for both teams is evaluation rather than winning. The Grizzlies have the added challenge of building chemistry with new pieces, while the Magic will look to establish continuity from last season’s Southeast Division runner-up finish. A key X-factor for Memphis is how quickly their new-look core can gel, particularly on defense, where the Grizzlies have historically prided themselves. For Orlando, the development of young players and the integration of any offseason additions will be under the microscope. Neither team has a confirmed injury report, so both squads could be near full strength, though minutes management will be crucial.
- Orlando Magic enter with a second-place Southeast Division finish from last season.
- Memphis Grizzlies traded two cornerstone players in a major offseason overhaul.
- Both teams have no preseason games played yet; this is the Magic’s opener.
- No injury reports are available for either side.
- The Grizzlies play at Atlanta on October 5 before this home game.
Prediction: Grizzlies Take an Early-Season Tune-Up
With both teams likely to prioritize player development over winning, the outcome is hard to call with certainty. However, the Grizzlies have the advantage of playing at home and having an extra preseason game under their belts by the time this matchup tips off. Expect Memphis to use that slight edge to secure a narrow victory. Prediction: Grizzlies win by a single-digit margin, 112-107.
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