The Charlotte Hornets (19-28) travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies (18-26) in a cross-conference matchup as the Hornets look to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement against a Grizzlies team seeking consistency amid rebuilding efforts. Charlotte, sitting 13th in the East, has shown flashes of guard-led offense but struggles with defensive rebounding and depth. Memphis, 12th in the West, boasts strong home scoring but has been hampered by injuries and turnover issues. This game could turn on fast-break points and bench production, with potential for a high-scoring affair if the Grizzlies’ transition game clicks or a low-scoring grind if the Hornets’ defense locks in.
Venue Location
The game will be played at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. This 18,119-capacity arena, opened in 2004, is the home of the Grizzlies and known for its gritty “Grit and Grind” atmosphere during Western Conference battles.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST (5:00 PM PST / 1:00 AM GMT on January 29).
Recent Team Forms
The Hornets have been middling, posting a 5-5 record in their last 10 games with a -1.2 point differential. They’ve won three of their last five on the road, including a 112-108 victory over the Pelicans on January 24, averaging 110 PPG while allowing 111.2. LaMelo Ball (25 PPG) and Miles Bridges (20 PPG) lead the offense, with solid three-point shooting (36%) but rebounding weaknesses (41 per game).
The Grizzlies are improving slightly, going 4-6 in their last 10 with a -3.5 point differential. They’ve won two straight at home, including a 115-110 upset over the Clippers on January 25, averaging 112 PPG while conceding 115.5. Ja Morant (24 PPG, 8 APG) and Desmond Bane (22 PPG) anchor the attack, with strong fast-break points (18 per game) but defensive lapses (opponents shoot 38% from three).
| Team | Last 10 Record | Points For (Avg) | Points Against (Avg) | Streak |
| Charlotte Hornets | 5-5 | 110.0 | 111.2 | W1 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 4-6 | 112.0 | 115.5 | W2 |
Injury Report
Injuries are affecting both teams, particularly the Grizzlies’ depth.
Charlotte Hornets:
LaMelo Ball (PG, ankle): Day-to-day; limited in practice but expected to play.
Tre Mann (SG, knee): Questionable; game-time decision.
Overall: Two guards in doubt, potentially impacting scoring if Ball is limited.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF, hamstring): Out 2-4 weeks; placed on IR in mid-January.
GG Jackson (SF, foot): Out for the season (surgery).
Zach Edey (C, ankle): Questionable; limited in practice.
Overall: Frontcourt thinned, forcing reliance on Morant and Bane for scoring.
Key Player Matchups
This cross-conference tilt features exciting individual battles.
LaMelo Ball (Hornets PG) vs. Ja Morant (Grizzlies PG): Ball’s playmaking (25 PPG, 8 APG) vs. Morant’s athleticism (24 PPG, 8 APG).
Miles Bridges (Hornets SF) vs. Desmond Bane (Grizzlies SG): Bridges’ versatility (20 PPG, 7 RPG) challenged by Bane’s shooting (22 PPG, 40% 3PT).
Brandon Miller (Hornets SF) vs. Santi Aldama (Grizzlies PF): Miller’s scoring (18 PPG) vs. Aldama’s length (15 PPG, 8 RPG) – with Jackson out.
Nick Richards (Hornets C) vs. Zach Edey (Grizzlies C): Richards’ rebounding (9 RPG) vs. Edey’s interior presence (12 PPG, 10 RPG) – if Edey plays.
Key X-Factor: Vince Williams Jr. (Grizzlies G) could exploit Hornets’ wing defense with his defense (2 SPG).
Series History
The Grizzlies lead the all-time series 33-22 in 55 meetings. Memphis has won 4 of the last 5, including a 110-105 victory in 2025. Average total points: 215.6, with overs hitting in 3 of 5. In Memphis, the Grizzlies are 3-2 in the last 5 vs. Hornets.
| Last 5 Head-to-Head Games | Date | Result | Total Points |
| Hornets @ Grizzlies | 11/15/2025 | Grizzlies 110-105 | 215 |
| Grizzlies @ Hornets | 10/20/2025 | Grizzlies 112-108 | 220 |
| Hornets @ Grizzlies | 03/10/2024 | Hornets 118-115 | 233 |
| Grizzlies @ Hornets | 12/05/2024 | Grizzlies 105-102 | 207 |
| Hornets @ Grizzlies | 02/28/2024 | Grizzlies 115-110 | 225 |
Betting Trends
Spread: Charlotte is 12-13 ATS on the road; Memphis 14-11 ATS at home. Over/Under: The over has hit in 6 of Memphis’ last 10 home games and 5 of Charlotte’s last 10 overall. Trends: Grizzlies 4-1 in last 5 home games; Hornets 2-3 in last 5 road.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets – 1.5
Memphis Grizzlies 230.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026
