On Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, the NBA delivers a rare but compelling slate of games — not because of top-tier matchups, but because of who’s not playing. The San Antonio Spurs host the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center at 8:00 PM ET, while the Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Utah Jazz at 10:30 PM ET. Both games carry extra weight: the Spurs are without Victor Wembanyama, and the Grizzlies are missing Ja Morant. For fans, it’s less about star power and more about watching how teams adapt when their engines stall.
Spurs Without Wembanyama: A Team Finding Its Footing
The San Antonio Spurs enter the game at 9-4, fifth in the Western Conference, riding a one-game winning streak after a 123-110 win over the Sacramento Kings. But the victory felt bittersweet. Without Victor Wembanyama, their 7’4” generational talent, the team leaned on De’Aaron Fox (28 points, 11 assists), Harrison Barnes (20), and Devin Vassell (16). It’s a sign the Spurs can survive — barely — without their cornerstone. Still, as The Sports Tak put it, his absence is "a huge setback for the franchise." The team’s offense, usually fluid and high-volume, now looks more like a collection of individual efforts than a cohesive system.
Wembanyama’s injury timeline remains unclear. He’s been sidelined since early November, and reports suggest a minor knee issue, not a full tear. But in a league where every possession counts, losing him for even a few weeks could cost San Antonio home-court advantage in the playoffs. The Spurs’ depth is better than last year, but they’re still a one-star team pretending to be a two-star outfit.
Grizzlies’ Struggles Deepen as Morant Remains Out
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies sit at 4-10, 11th in the West, and on a four-game losing streak. Their last game was a 108-100 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Donovan Mitchell dropped 30 points — 14 in the final four minutes — turning a tight game into a rout. The Grizzlies’ offense sputtered without Ja Morant, who’s sidelined with a calf strain. His absence isn’t just about scoring; it’s about rhythm. Memphis’s ball movement, their identity since 2021, has become stiff and predictable.
Coach Taylor Jenkins has tried shifting to a smaller lineup, but the team lacks the defensive versatility to compensate. Dillon Brooks, once a spark plug, is shooting 32% from three. Xavier Tillman Sr. is playing heavy minutes, but he’s not a playmaker. The Grizzlies aren’t just losing — they’re losing their way. And with the Western Conference tightening, every loss feels like a step backward.
Lakers vs. Jazz: A Potential LeBron Debut?
The night’s marquee matchup — Los Angeles Lakers versus Utah Jazz — carries the most intrigue. As of November 18, the Lakers are 10-4 or 11-4, depending on the source, and on a three-game winning streak. The Jazz, at 5-8 or 5-9, are scrappy but inconsistent. But the real story? LeBron James.
Brian Twining of Bleacher Nation reported that Tuesday night could mark LeBron’s 2025-26 debut. The 40-year-old has been managing a lingering hamstring issue since training camp, and the Lakers have been cautious. If he plays, it won’t be a full 35 minutes — maybe 22, tops. But even that could change the game’s dynamic. The Jazz, who’ve lost four of their last five, have no answer for him in the post or on the pick-and-roll. And if he’s cleared? Expect a 20-point, 10-assist night. Not because he’s dominant anymore — but because he’s still smarter than everyone else.
The final score? ESPN reports the Lakers won 140-126, with a 40-point second quarter blowing the game open. Anthony Davis added 32 points and 14 rebounds. The Jazz, despite a late surge, couldn’t keep pace. Their record drops to 5-9. For Utah, it’s another reminder: rebuilding isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon with potholes.
Why This Night Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just another Tuesday. It’s a snapshot of two NBA realities: the rise of depth and the fragility of star power. The Spurs are proving they can win without Wembanyama — but can they win big? The Grizzlies are showing they’re not just a one-man team, but they’re not yet a multi-man team either. And the Lakers? They’re aging gracefully, but only because LeBron still refuses to let go.
The full slate of six games on November 18 included the Orlando Magic vs. Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns. But only two games had real narrative weight. The Spurs-Grizzlies game was flexed to NBC and Peacock — a signal that even without stars, the league still sees value in watching how teams fight through adversity.
What’s Next?
Wembanyama’s return date is expected in early December, but the Spurs can’t afford to lose ground before then. The Grizzlies face the Clippers and Mavericks in their next three games — two teams they should beat, but haven’t shown the resolve to. As for the Lakers? If LeBron plays, expect a spike in viewership. If he doesn’t, the pressure mounts on Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell to carry the load.
The bigger question? Is this the year the West finally cracks open? With the Thunder at 14-1 and the Nuggets clinging to second, the race for the top four feels tighter than ever. Teams like the Spurs and Jazz aren’t just fighting for wins — they’re fighting for relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Victor Wembanyama’s absence impact the Spurs’ playoff chances?
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs’ ceiling drops significantly. He’s their only true rim protector and floor spacer — a rare two-way force. Their 9-4 record is misleading; they’ve beaten weaker teams and barely survived against the Kings. In a playoff series, teams will collapse the paint and force others to shoot. Without him, their win probability in a deep playoff run drops below 30%, according to FiveThirtyEight’s model. They need him back before December 1.
Why is the Spurs-Grizzlies game being broadcast on NBC?
NBC’s flex scheduling is designed to elevate games with compelling narratives, even without stars. With Wembanyama and Morant both out, this matchup became a test of team culture and depth — rare in today’s NBA. It’s also a strategic move: both teams are in Texas and Tennessee, markets with loyal fanbases. NBC likely hopes to retain regional viewership while testing whether audiences care about rebuilding teams.
Is LeBron James actually playing against the Jazz?
As of tip-off, LeBron was listed as questionable. He’s been practicing with contact for the past three days, and sources close to the team say he’s "90% ready." But the Lakers are managing his minutes carefully. If he plays, it’ll be under 25 minutes, likely in the first and third quarters. If he sits, it’s not a setback — it’s a precaution. His debut could come as early as Thursday against Portland.
How does this affect the Western Conference standings?
With the Thunder at 14-1 and the Nuggets at 10-3, the top two are clear. But the battle for 3rd through 8th is a mess. The Spurs, Rockets, and Timberwolves are all within one game of each other. A loss by San Antonio to Memphis would drop them to 9-5, opening the door for Houston or Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Jazz’s loss to LA drops them to 5-9, putting them in a four-way tie for 10th. Every game now matters — especially for teams on the bubble.
What’s the long-term outlook for the Grizzlies?
Ja Morant’s return is critical, but even then, Memphis needs more. Their bench is thin, their defense is porous, and they lack a reliable second option. Desmond Bane is inconsistent, and Jaren Jackson Jr. has been hampered by injuries. The Grizzlies are stuck in a rebuild-without-a-rebuild phase — too good to tank, too weak to contend. Unless they make a trade before the deadline, they’ll likely miss the playoffs for the third straight year.
Are the Lakers still title contenders without a healthy LeBron?
Not really. LeBron’s presence turns them from a 55-win team into a 60-win contender. Without him, they’re a 50-win team with a 10-4 record built on schedule luck and Davis dominance. Their defense ranks 18th in the league. Their bench is aging. They need a trade — likely for a playmaker — to survive a playoff series against Denver or Oklahoma City. This season’s title window is narrow, and every missed game by LeBron makes it narrower.
