"The Grizzlies have played their season opener at home in each of their seven seasons since moving to Memphis. They are 0-7 in those games.

Perhaps a change in venue is what's needed to get off to a good start.

The Grizzlies open their 2008-09 campaign Oct. 29 at Houston, according to the NBA schedule that was released Wednesday.

Their first home game will be Oct. 31, when the Orlando Magic come to FedExForum.

The NBA schedule makers didn't do the young, rebuilding Grizzlies any favors, though. Six of their first eight games are on the road, including a four-game West Coast trip to Sacramento, Golden State, Denver and Phoenix.

In December, Grizzlies fans will get a chance to see their team face some of the NBA's top stars. Former University of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose, the top pick in last June's draft, will return to FedExForum with his new team, the Chicago Bulls, on Dec. 12. Two days later, the Grizzlies will see the player selected right after Rose, Miami's Michael Beasley.

Last season's NBA runners-up, the Los Angeles Lakers, make their first Memphis visit Dec. 22. That will be the first time former Grizzly Pau Gasol returns to Memphis since he was traded to the Lakers last season. It will also be the first time he'll play against his brother, Marc, who was a part of that trade."