• Yes effect: Before his 2023-24 season was cut short on Jan. 5 due to a shoulder injury, Morant averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists and 5.6 boards in nine games for the Grizzlies, who were 21 with their star guard in the lineup took a 6-3 lead -52 without him.

• Hungry Grizz: With an overall record of 27-55, the Grizzlies missed the playoffs last season for the first time in three years, but will try to re-establish itself as a contender in the Westwhere they were number 2 in 2023.

• Young cub: In five preseason games, Zach Edey, Memphis' No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, ranked third on the team in total points (61) and first in rebounds (36) and blocks (5). In the 2024 NBA GM PollThe 7-foot-4 center received the second-most votes for Kia Rookie of the Year (30%).

• Jazz Jump? After four preseason wins, Utah – which signed Markkanen to a long-term contract this summer – will look to improve on its 31 wins in the 2023-24 season.

Utah muscle: Last season, the Jazz led the league in second-chance points per game (16.5) and were tied for third in rebounding with 45.5 boards per game.