Grizzlies @ Hornets Preview: A Head to Head Review
The Memphis Grizzlies are back on the road again after returning home briefly on Saturday to get their 4th straight win. It’s been a minute since this fan base has seen this team put together 4 straight wins. Will they be able to make it to 5 straight wins after they face the Charlotte Hornets tonight?
Head to Head Match-Up:
Record: Grizzlies 8-5 (3-3 on the road); Hornets 8-4 (4-2 at home)
Last 5 Games: Grizzlies 4-1; Hornets 2-3
Points Per Game: Grizzlies 96.8; Hornets 105.9
Points Allowed: Grizzlies 97; Hornets 101.3
(Note: In the last five games, the Grizzlies’ opponents have scored an average of 89 points. They held Dallas to 64 points on Friday and Minnesota to 71 on Saturday. Hornets’ opponents have scored an average of 108 points in their last 5 games.)
Field Goal %: Grizzlies 42%; Hornets 44%
3 PT Field Goal %: Grizzlies 33%; Hornets 36%
Rebounds Per Game: Grizzlies 42.5; Hornets 45.5
Assists Per Game: Grizzlies 19.2; Hornets 24.7
Steals Per Game: Grizzlies 8.2; Hornets 7.8
Blocks Per Game: Grizzlies 4.7; Hornets 5.0
Turnovers Per Game: Grizzlies 15; Hornets 11.2
Injuries: Grizzlies have Brandan Wright (ankle) and Chandler Parsons (knee bone bruise) out tonight. Tony Allen is questionable (groin) after re-aggravating his injury during Saturday’s game. Hornets have Cody Zeller (shoulder) as day to day.
The Grizzlies lost both games to the Hornets last season, after winning both the season before. The defense of this Grizzlies team has been smothering and reminiscent of Grizzlies’ defense of old in the last two games. The chemistry seems to be coming together, despite the ever-changing line-ups. The younger guys are looking more comfortable as they have the opportunity to play more reserve minutes, and they’re being led by two of the team’s veterans, Zach Randolph and Vince Carter.
It should be interesting to see what the Grizzlies have in store for the Hornets tonight. The Grizzlies team that was annihilated by the Hornets last season is no longer in play. They’ve got some of the same deputies, but there’s a new sheriff. Let’s see what Coach Fizdale and his staff can do to coach this squad to victory tonight.
Tip-off will be earlier tonight; so, don’t miss that 6 p.m. (7 p.m. EST) start. Go Grizz!
**Sources used nba.com, ESPN.com, landofbasketball.com**
- Grizzlies dominate Hawks again in 118-101 victory - March 8, 2020
- Grizzlies rally too late, fall to Pelicans 126-116 - January 21, 2020
- Grizzlies win fifth straight, defeat Warriors 122-102 - January 13, 2020