Memphis Match Day: Grizzlies and Tigers Headline a High-Stakes Friday
NBA Action: Grizzlies Host Pelicans at FedExForum
The Memphis Grizzlies return to the hardwood tonight, Friday, January 23, 2026, for a pivotal Western Conference showdown against the New Orleans Pelicans. As the regular season enters its mid-winter stretch, the Grizzlies are aiming to defend their home floor at FedExForum and gain ground in the competitive conference standings. Currently sporting an 18-24 record, Memphis has shown flashes of brilliance and will look to harness that energy against a divisional rival in the Bluff City.
- Matchup: Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Venue: FedExForum, Downtown Memphis
- Time: 7:00 PM CT
The Pelicans (10-36) enter tonight’s contest on a three-game losing streak and are hungry for a win to turn their season around. However, the Grizzlies will have to navigate some significant roster challenges. Key updates indicate that star point guard Ja Morant is listed as out for tonight’s game due to an elbow injury, alongside Santi Aldama and Ty Jerome. In their absence, the Grizzlies will lean on their "next man up" philosophy, relying on the bench depth and the raucous support of the Memphis faithful to secure a much-needed victory at home.
Conference Clash: Tigers Women’s Basketball vs. UTSA
The sports action in the city begins early this afternoon as the University of Memphis women's basketball team hosts the UTSA Roadrunners. In a strategic move, the game was shifted from its original Saturday slot to today, Friday, January 23, to stay ahead of forecasted winter weather in the region. This change provides a unique opportunity for local fans to catch a "double-header" of basketball action in the city today.
- Matchup: Memphis Tigers vs. UTSA Roadrunners
- Venue: Elma Roane Fieldhouse, Memphis, TN
- Time: 4:00 PM CT
The Tigers (7-12, 1-5 AAC) are looking to snap a three-game skid and secure a vital conference win. Lead scorers Daejah Richmond and Tamya Smith, both among the top offensive threats in the American Athletic Conference, will be central to the Tigers’ game plan. Facing a UTSA squad (9-8, 4-2 AAC) that recently saw its own home-winning streak snapped, the Tigers will aim to use their aggressive defense to force turnovers and control the tempo from the opening tip.
Fan Information and Broadcasting
For those planning to attend, tickets for the Grizzlies matchup are available through the arena box office, with the game also being televised locally on WMC-TV and available on Pelicans+ for those watching from home. The Tigers game will be streamed live on ESPN+. With two major basketball events happening within hours of each other, it is a landmark day for the Memphis sports community. Fans are encouraged to arrive early at both venues to account for increased traffic and standard security checks.