This will be the 10th time a competitive NBA game has been played in London, the first occurring in 2011. There has been no NBA action here in the UK since January 2019’s game, won by the Washington Wizards against the New York Knicks.
Games have since been played in Paris and Mexico City, and this year for the first time a regular season game was held in Germany.
The Magic came from as many as 20 points behind to overcome the Grizzlies in Berlin on Thursday. They’re currently 5th in the NBA Eastern Conference following that win.
In the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are in 11th place, outside of the Playoff positions with almost half of the regular season gone. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo will be hoping two-time All-Star Ja Morant recovers from a calf injury to make an appearance in London today.
Tip-off is at 5pm GMT. You'll be able to follow updates from Standard Sport.
Grizzlies 126-109 Magic
19:32 , Andy BeillSadly not a thriller for those getting a rare taste of NBA basketball here in London. The Memphis Grizzlies won it by 17 points in the end, and it never looked like getting closer.
Sadiq on screen
19:24 , Andy BeillBoos from the crowd as Sir Sadiq Khan was briefly shown on the big screen along with the other famous faces sitting courtside.
Today's attendance
19:10 , Andy BeillA sell-out attendance of 18,424 is announced here at The O2 Arena. Presumably that includes the numerous lucrative seats in the lower bowl where corporates haven’t shown up...
The crowd are now having a singalong to Sweet Caroline, ‘so good, so good, so good’ and all.
AFCON Final kicks off
19:01 , Andy BeillElsewhere on in the world of football, AFCON reaches its climax with Senegal taking on the hosts Morocco in the final.
Follow it live on Standard Sport.
Senegal vs Morocco LIVE: Latest score and updates from AFCON final
Grizzlies 100-81 Magic
18:59 , Andy BeillIt’s a 19-point game at the end of the 3rd quarter. The Grizzlies are holding the Magic at arm’s length this half. The comeback isn’t looking likely...
Elsewhere...
18:49 , Andy BeillBasketball fans may be interested to know in Super League Basketball (Men’s), London Lions came from being behind at half time to win 92-83 away to Sheffield Sharks today. The Lions sit top of the table.
Half time
18:17 , Andy BeillThe London crowd turned up hoping to see Ja Morant and he has 17 points and 10 assists in 15:20 minutes on the floor.
Santi Aldama leads all scorers with 22 points for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Grizzlies 72-53 Magic
18:14 , Andy BeillThe Magic have started to eat into this lead. It’s a 19-point game at half time. Is a second half comeback on?
Grizzlies 63-39 Magic
18:03 , Andy BeillTime-out with 4:04 to play in the first half. The biggest lead was 33 points. Magic will need to eat into this 29-point lead if The O2 crowd is to see any sort of tension in the close-out of this game.
London footballers in attendance
17:48 , Andy BeillArsenal’s Declan Rice and Chelsea’s João Pedro are here courtside.
Grizzlies 40-23 Magic
17:42 , Andy BeillThe Magic will have to repeat their comeback antics they pulled off in Berlin as they are down again today in London at the end of the first quarter.
Grizzlies 24-14 Magic
17:23 , Andy BeillGrizzlies call time-out midway through the first quarter and have a 10-point lead early on.
The players are ready to go
17:13 , Andy BeillThe mascots have abseiled onto the court before the players are introduced. The biggest cheer came for two-time All-Star Ja Morant, who is suited up for the Grizzlies following injury.
Sir Sadiq Khan in attendance representing London
17:11 , Andy Beill
Anthems heckled
17:09 , Andy BeillVanessa Williams had to sing over numerous heckles as she performed the US national anthem, including one loud shout of ‘Leave Greenland alone’.
Jermain Jackman sang a soulful version of God Save the King.
5 minutes to go
16:58 , Andy BeillThe clock countdown has reached 5 minutes - but expect plenty more pre-game presentation before we actually see tip-off.
John Amaechi
16:48 , Andy BeillBritish star of the NBA in the 90s, John Amaechi, is in the house. He played two seasons for the Orlando Magic between 1999-2001.
Two French legends in attendance at The O2
16:44 , Andy BeillBasketball all-timer Tony Parker alongside former Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry talk courtside before the game.
Light show
16:39 , Andy BeillWe’ve had the Grizz Girls cheerleaders, the two mascots, and now everyone in the arena has a flashing wristband while a dance troupe dressed as referees (or Foot Locker workers) perform on court. This is the NBA, folks.
Merchandise queues
16:15 , Andy BeillOf course there is plenty of merch on sale...
One hour until tip-off
15:59 , Andy BeillWe're just over an hour away until 5pm tip-off. The players are out warming up as presentations take place on court.
Fans arrive at The O2
15:21 , Andy BeillFans are making their way to North Greenwich for today’s basketball action.
