Spurs Host Struggling Grizzlies in Critical November 18, 2025 Matchup Without Wembanyama
The San Antonio Spurs will host the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time — a game that could define the early trajectory of both teams in the NBA 2025-26 regular season. Despite missing their franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs enter the contest with a 9-4 record, sitting fifth in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, reeling from a 100-108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers just three nights prior, bring a 4-10 or 4-11 record (sources conflict) and are hovering near the bottom of the conference, either 11th or 12th place. This isn’t just another November game. It’s a chance for Memphis to prove they’re not done, and for San Antonio to show they can win without their superstar.
Spurs Hold Strong Despite Wembanyama’s Absence
It’s remarkable, honestly, how well the Spurs have held together without Victor Wembanyama. The 7’4” phenom, who averaged 25.6 points and 11.4 rebounds last season, has been sidelined since early November with a lingering knee issue — details remain vague, but team sources say it’s not season-ending. Yet San Antonio hasn’t skipped a beat. Devin Vassell has stepped up with three straight 20-point games. Keldon Johnson is playing like an All-Star. And rookie point guard Jeremy Sochan? He’s been the quiet engine, averaging 7.2 assists over the last five contests. The Spurs are fourth in the league in defensive rating since Wembanyama went out. That’s not luck. That’s coaching. That’s culture.
Grizzlies’ Struggles Run Deeper Than Record
On paper, the Grizzlies’ 4-11 record looks bad. But the numbers tell a deeper story. Their offensive rating is 23rd in the NBA. Their bench scoring is dead last. And they’ve lost six of their last seven games by double digits. The one bright spot? Donovan Mitchell. Against Cleveland on November 15, he dropped 30 points — 14 in the final four minutes — in a performance that felt like a lone flare in a blackout. But no one else could get open. Ja Morant? Still working his way back from injury, averaging just 18.2 points on 41% shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. is playing through pain. And the front office? They’re quietly evaluating trade options, according to a league source familiar with internal discussions.
Where to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Details
The game will air live on WBGH-Binghamton, NY, a local NBC affiliate — yes, it’s odd, but regional broadcast rights sometimes work this way. For national viewers, the game is available via NBA League Pass, Fubo, and Peacock. Tickets for the March 25, 2026, rematch at FedExForum in Memphis are already listed at $20.62 on Ticketmaster, though that’s likely a placeholder. A fan review from November 3 praised the arena’s staff and atmosphere but noted confusion over parking — a common complaint for out-of-town visitors.
The Bigger Picture: Playoff Implications
With only 72 games left in the season, every win matters. The Grizzlies are 5.5 games out of the 8th seed. The Spurs? They’re comfortably in the top six — but if Wembanyama doesn’t return before January, their ceiling could be capped at the 5th or 6th seed. That’s fine for now. But if they want to make a deep run, they need depth. And that’s where this game becomes critical. A win over a team like Memphis — even without Wembanyama — keeps them in the conversation. A loss? It raises questions. And for Memphis? A win here could spark something. Maybe a three-game winning streak. Maybe a change in coaching strategy. Maybe even a trade deadline reset.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
After this game, the Grizzlies head to Dallas on November 22 to face the Mavericks — a tougher test. Then they play an unannounced opponent on the 24th. The Spurs, meanwhile, host the Lakers on November 20, then travel to Phoenix on the 23rd. The next Spurs-Grizzlies matchup? March 25, 2026, at FedExForum. That game will be a rematch of momentum — and possibly a preview of postseason seeding.
Historical Context: Spurs vs. Grizzlies Rivalry
These two teams have been on opposite trajectories for years. The Spurs dominated the 2010s, winning five titles. The Grizzlies were the gritty, physical challenger — the team that pushed San Antonio to seven games in the 2013 playoffs. But since 2019, the roles have flipped. San Antonio has been rebuilding. Memphis, under Taylor Jenkins, was a rising force — until injuries derailed them. This game is a microcosm of that shift. One team is proving resilience. The other is trying to rediscover identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Victor Wembanyama’s absence impact the Spurs’ playoff chances?
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs’ ceiling drops from potential top-3 seed to 5th or 6th. Their defense remains elite, but they lack a true go-to scorer in crunch time. Opponents are now sagging off their shooters, knowing no one can consistently create his own shot like Wemby. If he returns before February, they can still contend. After that, they’ll need a miracle run.
Why do different sources report different standings for the Grizzlies?
The discrepancy stems from timing. SportsTak reported the Grizzlies at 4-10 (11th) before their November 17 loss to the Bulls, which made them 4-11. Land of Basketball updated their data after that game, placing them 12th. Standings shift daily. The NBA’s official site lists them as 4-11 as of November 18 — confirming the 12th-place ranking.
Is the WBGH-Binghamton broadcast available outside New York?
No — WBGH is a local NBC affiliate serving upstate New York. The broadcast is geographically restricted. National viewers must use NBA League Pass, Fubo, or Peacock. This setup is common for regional sports networks that don’t have national carriage rights. Don’t rely on local TV if you’re outside the broadcast zone.
What’s the significance of the March 25, 2026, rematch?
That game could decide playoff seeding. If both teams are in the hunt for the 7th or 8th seed by March, this will be a de facto elimination game. The winner gets the tiebreaker advantage. Plus, with Wembanyama likely back by then, it’ll be a true test of Memphis’ growth — and whether they’ve solved their offensive woes.
Can the Grizzlies still make the playoffs this season?
It’s unlikely, but not impossible. They’d need to go 28-17 the rest of the way — a .622 winning percentage. That’s elite. Their remaining schedule includes 14 games against teams with winning records. Even with a Donovan Mitchell surge, their lack of depth and poor defense make a playoff push a long shot. A trade for a starting-caliber big man before the deadline could change everything.
How does this game compare to past Spurs-Grizzlies matchups?
In 2013, these teams played a brutal seven-game Western Conference semifinal — the Grizzlies’ last deep playoff run. Since then, the Spurs have been in rebuild mode, while Memphis peaked in 2021-22. This game feels like a passing of the torch: San Antonio’s resilience versus Memphis’s rebuilding pain. No stars on both sides? That’s new. But the intensity? Still there.
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