Picture this: You’ve planned your trip for months, but suddenly realize your vacation overlaps with a crucial Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors matchup. Been there, done that. Last summer, I found myself frantically searching for sports bars in Barcelona while the Warriors were making a playoff push. The struggle to keep up with NBA action while traveling is real, especially when it’s a high-stakes game like Grizzlies vs Warriors.
Whether you’re a die-hard Stephen Curry fan who analyzes his every move or you’re tracking Jimmy Butler trade rumors that could shake up the league, this guide has you covered. I’ll share everything from streaming options and sports bar recommendations to creative solutions for catching the game in different scenarios. After watching NBA games from airport lounges, foreign hotels, and even on bumpy bus rides across three continents, trust me – I’ve got the practical advice you need.
Table of Content
- Streaming Options for Watching Grizzlies vs Warriors While Traveling
- Finding Sports Bars and Public Viewing Options
- Country-Specific Viewing Options
- Trading Talk: Keeping Up With NBA Player Movement While Traveling
- The Play-In Tournament: A New Wrinkle for Traveling Fans
- Creative Solutions for Challenging Travel Situations
- Social Media and Alternative Ways to Follow the Action
- The Big Game: What to Watch For in Grizzlies vs Warriors
- Conclusion: Never Miss a Moment of NBA Action
Streaming Options for Watching Grizzlies vs Warriors While Traveling
The most flexible way to catch NBA action on the go is through streaming services. Here are your best options:
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NBA League Pass: Your Ultimate Travel Companion
NBA League Pass has saved my basketball-loving soul more times than I can count. Here’s why it works so well for travelers:
- Watch anywhere: Available in most countries with an internet connection
- Multiple devices: Works on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs
- Replay options: Missed the live action because you were touring the Colosseum? Watch the full game replay later
- Condensed games: Short on time? Watch the condensed 30-minute version
When I was stuck in a Sydney hotel during a Warriors playoff game against the Grizzlies, League Pass came through with crystal-clear streaming. Yeah, the annual subscription is pricey (around $200 for the premium package), but you can opt for the team-specific package or single-game purchases if you’re only concerned about catching this particular GSW vs Memphis matchup.
ESPN+ and Other Streaming Services
If you already subscribe to ESPN+, check if the Grizzlies vs Warriors game is available there. The same goes for services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all offer sports packages that include NBA games.
I’ve had good luck with YouTube TV while traveling domestically, but international travel requires different strategies. Speaking of which…
VPN: The Traveler’s Secret Weapon
I can’t stress this enough: a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential for sports fans traveling internationally. Many streaming services are geo-blocked outside the US, but a VPN lets you connect through American servers to access your subscriptions.
When I was in Germany trying to watch Steph Curry break another three-point record against the Grizzlies, my VPN was the only thing that saved me from missing the historic moment. NordVPN and ExpressVPN have both worked well for me while traveling, though they occasionally need some troubleshooting during peak usage times.
Finding Sports Bars and Public Viewing Options
Sometimes there’s nothing better than watching a game surrounded by other fans. Here’s how to find the best spots:
Photo by Corleone Brown
Sports Bar Finder Apps and Websites
These tools have helped me find great places to watch games worldwide:
- Sports Bar Finder: Specifically designed to locate sports-friendly establishments
- Yelp: Filter by “Sports Bars” and check reviews for mentions of NBA games
- Google Maps: Search “sports bar NBA” in your current location
- TripAdvisor: Look for reviews mentioning “Warriors games” or “NBA”
Last year in Chicago, I found an amazing underground sports bar with 30+ screens showing various games, including a perfect view of Moses Moody putting up career numbers against the Grizzlies. Would never have found it without the Yelp app!
Hotel Accommodations with Sports Packages
When booking accommodations, consider these options for easy game viewing:
- Sports-themed hotels: Some hotel chains cater specifically to sports enthusiasts
- Hotels with sports bars: Many upscale hotels have dedicated sports bars
- In-room entertainment packages: Some hotels offer premium sports channels
I once specifically chose a hotel in Chicago because their lobby bar advertised showing all NBA games. The atmosphere watching the Warriors take on the Grizzlies among a mix of travelers from different cities created memories beyond just the game itself.
Time Zone Considerations for Grizzlies vs Warriors Games
One challenge I’ve faced repeatedly is managing time zone differences. West Coast games featuring the Warriors can air in the middle of the night in Europe or early morning in Asia.
Location | Typical Warriors/Grizzlies Game Time (Local) |
---|---|
US East Coast | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
US West Coast | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
UK/Ireland | 12:30 AM – 3:30 AM |
Central Europe | 1:30 AM – 4:30 AM |
Australia (Sydney) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
Japan | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
Always convert game times to your travel destination’s local time! I’ve made the mistake of showing up to a sports bar three hours early in London, thinking the Warriors-Grizzlies matchup was starting soon. The bartender had a good laugh at my expense.
Country-Specific Viewing Options
Photo by David Eluwole
Watching in Europe
European countries often have dedicated sports channels that carry NBA games:
- UK: Sky Sports shows selected NBA games, including major matchups like Warriors vs Grizzlies
- Germany: DAZN carries NBA games
- France: beIN Sports broadcasts NBA content
When I visited London during the NBA season, I discovered that certain pubs specialize in showing American sports, especially in areas popular with expats and tourists. The Maple Leaf in Covent Garden showed a Warriors-Grizzlies game with great atmosphere, despite the 2 AM local start time.
Watching in Asia
Asia has a growing NBA fanbase with multiple viewing options:
- China: Tencent streams NBA games
- Philippines: NBA TV Philippines and multiple sports bars (basketball is huge here!)
- Japan: WOWOW and NBA Rakuten
A memorable experience was watching a Warriors game in a packed Tokyo sports café where local Steph Curry fans created an electric atmosphere despite the morning start time. One guy next to me was tracking his fantasy basketball team while wearing a vintage Warriors jersey!
Watching in Latin America
- Mexico: NBA games broadcast on ESPN and TUDN
- Brazil: ESPN Brasil covers major NBA matchups
- Argentina: DirecTV Sports shows NBA games
The sports bars in Mexico City surprised me with their NBA knowledge. Found a place where the bartender could recite the Memphis Grizzlies coach’s entire career history while serving up perfect margaritas.
Trading Talk: Keeping Up With NBA Player Movement While Traveling
For many NBA fans, following trade rumors and player movement is almost as exciting as the games themselves. Jimmy Butler trade speculation has dominated headlines recently, and staying updated while traveling requires some strategic approaches:
- NBA Trade Reddit: The r/NBA subreddit breaks trade news lightning-fast
- Twitter Lists: Create a curated list of NBA insider accounts like Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania
- Team Beat Writers: Follow journalists who cover the Warriors and Grizzlies for team-specific trade rumors
- Trade Notification Apps: Several apps specialize in sending alerts for NBA trades
During my last international trip, I woke up to 37 notifications about a potential three-team deal involving the Warriors. Turns out it was just speculation, but the trade tracker app I use kept me in the loop even while I was offline for most of the day touring museums.
The Play-In Tournament: A New Wrinkle for Traveling Fans
The NBA Play-In Tournament has added extra excitement to the end of the regular season, but also creates challenges for traveling fans. If you’re on the road during this crucial period:
- The Play-In schedule isn’t determined until the very end of the regular season
- Games often have unusual start times to accommodate national TV
- Elimination format means your team’s season could end unexpectedly
Last year, I had to rearrange an entire day of sightseeing in Rome because the Warriors ended up in an unexpected Play-In matchup against a surging team. Worth it though!
Creative Solutions for Challenging Travel Situations
Sometimes traditional viewing options aren’t available. Here are some alternative approaches:
Airport Layovers
- Sports bars in airports: Many major airports have sports bars or lounges showing games
- Airport lounges: Business lounges often have TV options where you can request sports channels
- Free airport Wi-Fi + personal device: Stream using the airport connection
I once had a 4-hour layover in Atlanta that perfectly coincided with a Warriors playoff game. The airport sports bar was packed with travelers from different cities, all united by basketball. Made three new friends and got restaurant recommendations for my destination city!
Road Trips and Train Travel
- Radio broadcasts: NBA SiriusXM Radio carries live game audio
- NBA app audio: Listen to team broadcast feeds
- Mobile hotspot streaming: Use your phone’s data plan if in a coverage area
Pro tip from personal experience: Download the Warriors vs Grizzlies game audio before heading into areas with spotty coverage. Saved my sanity during a cross-country drive last season.
Cruise Ships and Remote Locations
- Cruise ship sports bars: Many larger ships have dedicated sports venues
- Satellite services: Some remote hotels and resorts offer special satellite packages
- Game downloads: Download the game before heading to remote areas without service
On my last cruise, I bonded with the sports bar bartender who agreed to keep the Warriors-Grizzlies game on even when other passengers wanted to watch something else. Always worth making friends with the staff!
Social Media and Alternative Ways to Follow the Action
When watching isn’t possible, these options keep you connected:
- Twitter: Follow NBA reporters and team accounts for real-time updates
- NBA App: Get score alerts and major play notifications
- Reddit game threads: r/NBA and team subreddits offer lively commentary
- ESPN GameCast: Follow play-by-play text updates
I once followed an entire Warriors comeback against the Grizzlies via Twitter while on a tour bus with no reception. Refreshing my feed at every stop, getting more excited each time as Golden State closed the gap.
The Big Game: What to Watch For in Grizzlies vs Warriors
While matchups between Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors always deliver excitement, here are some specific elements to watch for in their upcoming games:
- Stephen Curry’s shooting performance: The greatest shooter of all time continues to redefine what’s possible from beyond the arc
- Memphis’s young core development: The Grizzlies’ talented young players are establishing themselves as perennial contenders
- Strategic adjustments: Both coaches have shown creative approaches to counter each other
- Play-in tournament implications: Depending on when you’re watching, this game could have playoff positioning consequences
- Quinten Post development: Keep an eye on this emerging talent when the teams meet
- Trade deadline acquisitions: How new players are fitting into both systems
Conclusion: Never Miss a Moment of NBA Action
Traveling doesn’t mean missing out on watching your favorite NBA teams battle it out. With some advance planning and the tips I’ve shared, you can catch every Steph Curry three-pointer and enjoy the intensity of Grizzlies vs Warriors matchups from anywhere in the world.
Before your trip, set up your streaming accounts, download the necessary apps, and research your destination’s viewing options. Basketball brings people together across cultures and time zones, and sometimes the most memorable game-watching experiences happen far from home.
What’s your go-to method for watching NBA games while traveling? Have you had any memorable experiences catching a Warriors or Grizzlies game from an unexpected location? Drop a comment below and share your story!