Grizzlies will have some tough months in 2024-25 season

Some months will be easier than others for this Grizzlies team in 2024-25, as per Mark Nilon from Beale Street Bears .

The NBA has released the 2024-25 regular season schedule, and for the Memphis Grizzlies, it’s clear that not all months will be equally challenging. With Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane all set to return alongside promising talents like Marcus Smart, GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr., and Zach Edey, there's a renewed sense of optimism. However, as the season unfolds, some stretches are bound to be more difficult than others. Here’s a breakdown of each month, ranked by level of difficulty.

7. October

Unsurprisingly, October ranks as the easiest month for the Grizzlies, largely because it's also the shortest. Memphis will only play six games, with just two against teams that had winning records last season—Orlando on October 26 and Milwaukee on October 31. With four of these games at home, October provides the Grizzlies a relatively stress-free start to the season.

6. November

Following a relatively easy October, the schedule begins to pick up in November. The Grizzlies will face tough matchups, including two games each against the Lakers, Nuggets, and 76ers. However, with games against lower-tier teams like the Nets, Wizards, and Trail Blazers, Memphis should still be able to notch some wins. Eight home games also help to keep this month manageable.

5. February

February sees a significant increase in difficulty for the Grizzlies, with 82% of their games against teams that made the playoffs last season. Matchups against top contenders like the Thunder and Knicks, combined with seven road games, make this a challenging month. Fortunately, the All-Star break provides some much-needed rest, keeping February from being even higher on this list.

4. April

April might only have seven games, but the level of competition ramps up considerably as the season winds down. After starting the month against the Warriors and Heat, the Grizzlies will face bottom-tier teams like the Pistons and Hornets before closing out with tough games against the Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Mavericks. This final stretch could prove crucial depending on Memphis’ playoff positioning.

3. January

January may not feature the league’s top juggernauts, but it’s packed with playoff hopefuls. After starting the month on the road against the Kings and Warriors, the Grizzlies will return home for a tough matchup against the Mavericks, followed by a four-game road trip that includes back-to-back games against the Spurs. This stretch will test the team’s endurance and cohesion.

2. March

March is packed with formidable opponents, with 13 of their 16 games against teams that won at least 46 games last season. The Grizzlies will start with somewhat easier matchups against the Spurs and Hawks, but then immediately jump into games against the Thunder, Mavericks, Pelicans, and Suns. A four-game home stand in the middle provides some relief, but the month ends with games against the Clippers, Thunder, Lakers, and Celtics.

1. December

December is, without a doubt, the toughest month for the Grizzlies. Right from the start, they’ll face three teams that made deep playoff runs last season, including the Mavericks and Celtics, both on the road. The month doesn’t get much easier from there, with tough road games against the Pelicans, Thunder, and Suns. The Grizzlies will only play five home games in December, making it a grueling stretch that will test their mettle.

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