The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.

The Grizzlies will be kicking off the season without their star, Ja Morant (suspension), who will remain out for the first 25 games. On a positive note, the team brought in defensive specialist, Marcus Smart and also veteran, Derrick Rose to bolster the point-guard position. Smart averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.5 steals for the Celtics last season and should be able to provide high-level play until Morant is ready to return. Jaren Jackson is coming off a career year, where he averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 3.0 blocks per game and also won the Defensive Player of the Year award. He will remain a defining presence in the Grizzlies' lineup, giving them one of the league's best interior defenses right off the bat. Steven Adams (knee) will be out for the season, while Brandon Clarke (achilles) also remains out, meaning there is a major opportunity for Xavier Tillman to make his mark as a starter.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans are bringing back mostly the same lineup, one which hardly got to play together last season due to a rotation of injuries. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both missed significant time but also shined when they were able to play, and especially when playing together. CJ McCollum was a steady presence all season, averaging 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists through 75 games. Guys like Dyson Daniels, Trey Murphy and Herbert Jones all showed impressive flashes last season and should be ready to take another step to contribute to greater success this time around. Murphy (knee) and Naji Marshall (knee) will be sidelined to start the season.