TheMemphis Grizzlies intentionally took a different approach to their preseason schedule.
While most NBA teams will play five or six preseason games, the Grizzlies are among the teams scheduled for four. Coach Tuomas Iisalo wanted to give Memphis a feel for the regular-season grind early, so the team playedthree games in five days.
That stretch is over, leaving the Grizzlies with a week of practice before they close out the preseason against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum on Oct. 16. (7 p.m., DAZN-MEM).
Memphis is taking a different approach this week. Jaylen Wells described the team’s Oct. 13 practice as “intense,” but the days before and after were focused on individual work.
Here’s what we’re learning about the Grizzlies.
Karim Lopez’s adjustment
Rookie wing Karim
Lopez has largely flown under the radar for a first-round pick. He was the second player Memphis selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, so much of the attention has centered on projected starting power forward Cam Boozer.
Lopez has seen limited minutes in the three preseason games. He also had few opportunities to showcase himself during summer league while dealing with an injury.
Guard Scotty Pippen Jr. said Lopez has been putting in good work but noted that he’s “still young.” The 19-year-old forward is transitioning to the NBA after playing professionally in New Zealand, and he’s already noticed some of the differences.
“Just trying to get a feel for the game, improve, learn how to play with my teammates and essentially just get better,” Lopez said.
“It’s the best league in the world, so the talent is obviously higher,” he added. “The games are way longer. It’s pretty fast. I played in a fast league, but this is the fastest league in the world. You just got to step it up.”
Lopez’s adjustment extends beyond basketball. He’s living in the United States for the first time after spending time in Spain and New Zealand while pursuing his professional career. He was born in Mexico.
“It’s cool,” Lopez said of living in Memphis. “Not similar, but I’m used to living in different places. It’s cool. It’s a nice place.”
Starting lineup set?
The Grizzlies have largely stuck with the same starting lineup in the preseason games. Four positions have remained unchanged, with the lone exception coming in the preseason opener when center Quinten Post started in place of Zach Edey.
Edey has been cleared to play and he’s rejoined the starting group.
While some teams use the preseason to experiment with different starting lineup combinations, Iisalo has taken a different approach. Memphis has largely kept the same group together, in part because of its limited preseason schedule.
Iisalo said the primary goal is to keep everyone healthy.
The Grizzlies will have an opportunity to use the finale as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. Many of the expected starters and key reserves could see an increase in playing time.
“We did it in the middle game against Orlando, playing guys three quarters,” Iisalo said. “I think we’re going to see something closer to that.”
Zach Edey’s workload
Edey is the only projected starter who has yet to play 20 minutes in a preseason game. Memphis has gradually increased the center’s workload as he returns from a second procedure on his left ankle.
Iisalo said no decision has been made whether Edey will play in the preseason finale.
Edey's status shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as an indication of his availability for the season opener. His recovery appears to be on track, which remains the primary concern.
“We’re slowly ramping him up, and the response has been very good so far,” Iisalo said.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What we learned about rookie Karim Lopez, Grizzlies ahead of preseason finale
