Memphis Grizzlies Not Scheduled to Play in Salt Lake City for 2023-2024 Season

The Memphis Grizzlies will not host or play games in Salt Lake City during the 2023-2024 NBA season, according to the league’s official schedule released by the National Basketball Association (NBA). This decision aligns with the Utah Jazz’s home game commitments, as Salt Lake City remains the Jazz’s primary venue.

Why the Grizzlies Aren’t Playing in Salt Lake City

The Grizzlies’ 2023-2024 schedule, published by the NBA on August 1, 2023, does not include any matchups in Utah. Salt Lake City is home to the Utah Jazz, who have consistently hosted their games there since the team’s inception in 1974. The NBA’s scheduling process typically avoids conflicts between teams in the same geographic region, according to a league spokesperson.

“The NBA prioritizes regional matchups to minimize travel and ensure fan accessibility,” said an NBA representative in a statement. “Salt Lake City remains the Jazz’s home court, and no Grizzlies games are scheduled there for the upcoming season.”

What It Means for Fans and the League

The absence of Grizzlies games in Salt Lake City reflects the league’s structured approach to scheduling, which balances competitive fairness with logistical efficiency. Fans in Utah will continue to see the Jazz play at Vivint Smart Home Arena, while Grizzlies supporters in the state will need to travel to Memphis or other nearby cities for games.

This arrangement is not unusual. The NBA has historically avoided scheduling games in rival teams’ home markets to prevent overlap. For example, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers do not face each other in Los Angeles during the regular season, though they meet in the playoffs.

Impact on Team Travel and Fan Engagement

The Grizzlies’ decision to avoid Salt Lake City also aligns with their broader travel strategy. The team’s 2023-2024 schedule includes 41 home games at FedExForum in Memphis, with away games spanning 15 states. While the Grizzlies have played in Salt Lake City in the past—such as a 2022 game against the Jazz—their current schedule does not include another visit.

“The Grizzlies focus on maximizing fan engagement in their home market while adhering to the NBA’s travel guidelines,” said a team spokesperson. “We remain committed to providing high-quality games for our supporters in Tennessee and across the region.”

What’s Next for the Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies are set to begin their 2023-2024 season on October 24, 2023, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Their schedule includes 10 games against Western Conference rivals, with no additional games in Utah planned. Fans can track the team’s progress through the NBA’s official website and the Grizzlies’ digital platforms.

The league’s focus on regional matchups and logistical efficiency ensures that teams like the Grizzlies and Jazz can maintain strong fan bases without overlapping home schedules. As the season progresses, further adjustments to the schedule may occur, but no changes to Salt Lake City’s status as a Jazz-only venue have been announced.