
When: November 3, 2004
Where: FedEx Forum
Records: Wizards, 0-0; Grizzlies, 0-0.
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Memphis Grizzlies open their first regular season at FedEx Forum when they host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
Fresh off a 50-win campaign that delivered the franchise's first postseason berth, the Grizzlies are expected to be a potent force again in the Western Conference.
They were one of four teams in the conference to post a preseason record of 6-2 or better, winning three of four games at home. At the Pyramid last season, Memphis went 31-10.
In his first full season as coach of the Grizzlies, Hubie Brown won NBA Coach of the Year honors. He will have essentially the same core group back this season, plus a quality workhorse in the frontcourt with the addition of Brian Cardinal, who was signed in July to provide a much-needed physical presence.
Memphis is so deep it was able to waive veteran Bo Outlaw and Troy Bell, both of whom have guaranteed contracts, on Monday.
The Grizzlies won both meetings with the Wizards last season and are 8-8 all-time vs. Washington, one of just two teams Memphis owns a mark of .500 or better against.
Washington has not had a winning November since 1984. They are coming in with a trio of Jamison, Hughes and Areans who all played together in Golden State 2 seasons ago. Arenas made a name for himself in Golden State and it will be interesting to see how the trio gets along in Washington after some comfrontation in Golden State.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Wizards
C-Michael Ruffin
PF-Antawn Jamison
SF-Jarvis Hayes
SG-Larry Hughes
PG-Gilbert Arenas
Grizzlies
C-Lorenzen Wright
PF-Pau Gasol
SF-James Posey
SG-Bonzi Wells
PG-Jason Williams