In a highly anticipated Southwest Division matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Memphis Grizzlies on October 25 at 7 p.m. (CDT). Both teams will face significant challenges due to injuries and suspensions affecting their key players.

On Tuesday, the Pelicans announced that three players will be unavailable for the upcoming game. Jose Alvarado is sidelined with a right ankle sprain, Naji Marshall is out with a right knee contusion, and Trey Murphy is recovering from a left knee partial meniscectomy. These players have played vital roles for the Pelicans over the past two seasons.

On the other side, the Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the regular season due to a league suspension. Morant's absence is expected to be a major setback for Memphis. The point guard is set to make his return on December 19 when the Grizzlies face the Pelicans in New Orleans.

Adding to Memphis' injury woes, starting center Steven Adams will miss the game due to a knee injury. The recent reports indicate that Adams will undergo season-ending surgery, further depleting the Grizzlies' frontcourt. Additionally, backup big man Brandon Clarke is sidelined with an Achilles injury, and there is currently no timeline for his return.

The Pelicans, who secured a preseason win against the Orlando Magic on October 17, showcased their potential with a starting lineup consisting of CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jonas Valanciunas. However, their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on October 20 highlighted some areas for improvement with a lineup featuring Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Jaren Jackson Jr.

This upcoming match against the Grizzlies serves as an opportunity for both teams to test their depth and adjust to the temporary absences of key players. The Pelicans will have to rely on their remaining roster to fill the void left by Alvarado, Marshall, and Murphy, while the Grizzlies will need to find a way to cope without Morant, Adams, and Clarke.

The two teams will have additional matchups on December 26 in New Orleans and on February 12 in Memphis, giving them more opportunities to face off and potentially showcase improved roster strength as the season progresses.

Basketball fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Pelicans and Grizzlies navigate their respective challenges and continue to compete at a high level despite the significant absences in their lineups.