Game Preview: Grizzlies vs Hornets (3/13/2024)

When: Wednesday, March 13th, 7:00 PM CST

Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

How to Watch/Stream: Bally Sports South

In the second night of back-to-back matchups with NBA basement dwellers, your Memphis Grizzlies host the Charlotte Hornets. 

Following what I can only assume will be a majestic display of hoops when the Grizz take on the Wizards, the team may have two consecutive winnable games for the first time in what feels like ages.

Both teams have had their seasons derailed by injuries to their franchise point guard, with Charlotte missing Lamelo and Memphis missing Ja. However, when considering both teams’ expectations heading into the season, the Hornets will be far less disappointed considering all of their developmental projects on the roster.

While Charlotte is the fourth-worst team in the league by record, their Net Rating is actually the worst in the league, with the team being outscored by 10.5 points per 100 possessions. 

While it’s fair to suggest the team has performed better since making a few moves at the deadline, it’s also still fair to lump this team into those that will be competing for the number one pick.

Like the Grizzlies, the Hornets are 2-8 in their last 10, including a loss to yesterday’s opponent and fellow lottery locals Washington. There have certainly been positives, such as the play of new acquisitions Grant Williams and Tre Mann, but this season will be another where the franchise fails to make the playoffs.

This will certainly be one of the games in NBA history, and I’m sure one or two Poeltl legends will emerge from the obscurity that only two lottery-locks can provide.

Which Grizz Have A Pulse?

Considering what you’ve read above, it would be a valid assumption to think that the Grizzlies, being the home team and all, should be given a slight advantage heading into this matchup. Typically, you would likely be right, but that rationale fails to take into consideration this absolute monstrosity from the evil-doers over at @GrizzliesPR.

*Sidenote: Everytime you assume it couldn’t get worse, that account manages to hit just a little bit lower and a little bit harder.*

Excluding the progress made by Scotty Pippen Jr, there are very few positives to take from the tweet above. It’s likely that Jenkins and Co. will be relying on a similar ensemble that you saw last night vs the Wizards, with the possibility of a rest for some of those bodies if possible.

Considering the nature of JJJ’s injury and the team’s (lack-of) playoff chances, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw something along the lines of a “exploratory surgery” for him, hopefully ensuring his health in 2024/25 and beyond.

This game will likely be dictated by heavy doses of Santi, GG, Luke, and Jake LaRavia, with plenty of minutes and opportunities for what’s left of the roster.

Checking in on Brandon Miller

Heading into the 2023 draft, headlines were rightfully dominated by Wemby and forecasting his future in the league, but there was quite the discussion as to who should be picked after him.

One camp was arguing for Scoot Henderson, an explosive athlete and point-guard from the G-League Ignite system. Scoot had played two years against grown men, starting his G-League experience at just 18, and between his success against fellow professionals and athletic traits, he seemed to be a worthy consolation prize for whoever missed out on Wemby.

However, as the college basketball season progressed, there began to be more and more hype revolving around Brandon Miller, a smooth wing playing at the University of Alabama. There were some pre-draft questions surrounding his involvement with a murder weapon, but almost everything he produced on the court was sensational.

In the weeks and days leading up to the night of the draft, Scoot was still considered to be the consensus number two prospect, until the betting odds began to shift the day of the draft. The Hornets, to the surprise of many, drafted Brandon Miller 2nd overall. When considering his fit with fellow cornerstone Lamelo, it made some sense, but all Miller has done is justify the decision more and more with his play on the court.

Since the All-Star break, Miller is averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists on 51% true shooting. While these numbers seem impressive at face value, they’re given a bit of a boost when considering that production has come as the primary option within a talent-depleted offense.

While his play has been admirable from a numerical sense, I’ve been more impressed watching how vocal he is and the leadership qualities he’s displayed at such a young age. Considering this is a team that has frequently been near the bottom of the standards, having a guy as talented as Miller who’s willing to lead could be the catalyst the franchise needs.

While Scoot has looked outmatched athletically and diminutive on an NBA court, Miller looks comfortable and at-ease, operating at his own pace, and while Scoot deserves time to adapt to this new league, the fact that Miller didn’t need that time is very telling for his future.