Looking for Redemption: Grizzlies vs. Hornets Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies will face the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte at 6 p.m. today. These teams faced each other about two weeks ago in a Star Wars themed game in Memphis, and let’s just say…the Force wasn’t with the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies lost that game in grand fashion with a final score of 123-99 in favor of the visiting Hornets without the services of veteran Al Jefferson. Jefferson, however, is back in the Hornets lineup now. The Hornets left Memphis with a 14-8 record two weeks ago, and they’re now at 15-13. The Grizzlies are 16-15 currently. What are the keys to the Grizzlies keeping the Hornets in their current slump and gaining redemption for an embarrassing home court loss so they don’t end up at 0.500 AGAIN?
The Bench
When these teams last faced on December 11, Zach Randolph and Tony Allen were a part of the Grizzlies starting lineup. Two days later, the Grizzlies introduced a new starting lineup that did not include them. Neither has been in the starting lineup since that dreadful night, but who knows what the plans are for tonight? What is known is that the Grizzlies bench was outscored by the Hornets bench 59-37 in the last meeting. No matter who starts tonight every member on the team has to be ready to give quality minutes on the offensive and defensive end when their number is called. Hopefully, the Grizzlies won’t lose their back-up point guard (or anyone else for that matter) due to an ejection early in the game like they did Wednesday night against their loss to the Wizards. They need all hands available on deck for the full 48 minutes.
Aggressive, Consistent Play
This feels like the same old song and dance just on a different day. The Grizzlies started the December 11 meeting against the Hornets strong. They had 2 assists on their first 3 shots made. They had a steal from Zach Randolph and a block from Mike Conley in the first 3 minutes and capitalized off both on the offensive end, so fans had every reason to believe it was going to be a good night. The fire waned though, as it’s done so many times this season. The Grizzlies led 35-29 going into the 2nd quarter, and went on to lose every quarter after that getting outscored by 11 points in the 2nd, 15 points in the 3rd and 4 points in the 4th. No collapsing in the middle 24 minutes, please.
The Grizzlies are currently 2nd in the league in forcing turnovers. The Hornets have struggled lately in this area. If the Grizzlies can get the defense going early and stay committed to it, perhaps it will transfer to the offensive end in a positive way.
Defend Against the Three
While the Grizzlies were getting embarrassed in front of the home crowd during the last meeting, the Hornets were setting franchise records. They connected on 18 of 37 three point attempts, shooting almost 50% from the three point line. They average 35% from three, but have only connected on 29% in their last 3 games. The Grizzlies cannot afford to let the Hornets get going around the perimeter tonight, especially since they’re currently dead last in the league with 3 point shooting. They can’t get in a position where they have to trade 2s for 3s.
Tis the day after Christmas, so it’s not terribly unreasonable for Grizzlies fans to expect a win as a GRIZZmas gift especially since they didn’t get one before Christmas. The Hornets are currently on a four game homestand, and their fans are looking for a win too since they got a loss in their Christmas stocking too. The Grizzlies have won 3 of the last 4 meetings in Charlotte. Let’s hope they continue THAT trend tonight. Remember the home team is on the east coast this evening. Catch them at 6 p.m. They need your support. Go Grizz!!
**Statistics from nba.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
