NBA Makes History with First Regular Season Game in Germany
The National Basketball Association takes a bold step onto the international stage this week. The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic prepare for a thrilling showdown in Berlin's Uber Arena on Thursday. This game represents a landmark moment for the league. It initiates a three-year slate of games between the NBA and Europe.
A Historic First for the League
This match will be the NBA's first regular-season contest ever held in Germany. Following this historic event, both teams will travel to London for their next international meetup. The league clearly aims to expand its global footprint with these strategic games.
Team Form and Standings
The Memphis Grizzlies enter this game with mixed recent results. They snapped a two-game losing streak against the Suns and Thunder with a narrow 103-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Their current record stands at 17 wins and 22 losses, placing them 10th in the competitive Western Conference.
The Orlando Magic's report card shows similar fluctuations. They suffered a 91-103 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 10th. However, they bounced back strongly with a dominant 128-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. The Magic hold the 6th position in the Eastern Conference with a solid 22-18 record.
Head-to-Head History
The Grizzlies and Magic have a long-standing rivalry spanning 57 regular-season games. Memphis holds the historical advantage, clinching victory in 31 of those encounters. Recent history favors the Grizzlies even more. In their last eight meetings, the Magic managed to secure only one win over their Western Conference opponents.
When and Where to Watch
The regular-season clash is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026. The game will tip off at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. For viewers in India, this translates to 12:30 AM on Friday morning. Fans in Berlin can watch the game live at 8:00 PM Central European Time.
United States audiences can stream the game live exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. International viewers have the option to catch all the action through the NBA League Pass service.
Expected Starting Lineups
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies will rely on their youthful backcourt due to several veteran absences.
- Point Guard: Cam Spencer
- Shooting Guard: Jaylen Wells
- Small Forward: Cedric Coward
- Power Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Center: Jock Landale
Orlando Magic: The Magic welcome back a key player for this special international fixture.
- Point Guard: Anthony Black
- Shooting Guard: Desmond Bane
- Small Forward: Franz Wagner
- Power Forward: Paolo Banchero
- Center: Wendell Carter Jr.
Injury Report
Memphis Grizzlies: The team faces significant injury challenges.
- Ja Morant - OUT (right calf contusion)
- Zach Edey - OUT (ankle)
- Ty Jerome - OUT (calf)
- Brandon Clarke - OUT (calf)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. - OUT (toe recovery)
Orlando Magic: Their injury list is comparatively shorter.
- Jalen Suggs - OUT (knee)
- Collin Castleton - OUT (thumb)
Match Prediction and Analysis
The Orlando Magic enter this contest as the clear favorites. Several factors contribute to this prediction. The return of Franz Wagner provides a significant boost to their lineup. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies grapple with extensive injury woes that deplete their rotation.
Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a dominant defensive force for Memphis. However, the team may struggle to find consistent scoring without their star player Ja Morant on the court.
Statistical analysis reveals close offensive numbers. The Magic average 116.2 points per game across 40 contests. The Grizzlies are not far behind, averaging 114.9 points in their 39 games.
The Wagner brothers, Moritz and Franz, will provide the Magic with a distinct advantage. Their presence creates a home-like atmosphere for Orlando in Berlin. The Magic's defensive depth should allow them to control the game's tempo effectively.
Final Score Prediction: Orlando Magic 117, Memphis Grizzlies 111.
