Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies (Image via Getty) The Charlotte Hornets play the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at FedExForum. Both teams come in short-handed, and that shapes everything about this game. Several regular rotation players are unavailable, which means heavier minutes for starters and larger roles for players who are usually further down the bench.This is not a matchup built around star power. It is about execution, lineup balance, and which team can hold together when things slow down. Mistakes will matter, and stretches without scoring could decide it.
Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies Injury report and availability (January 28, 2026)
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets have two confirmed absences: • Mason Plumlee (right groin, post-surgery recovery): Without Plumlee, the Hornets lose size, rebounding, and rim protection. Expect fewer traditional lineups and more reliance on guard play. • KJ Simpson (left hip flexor strain): Simpson’s absence shortens the guard rotation and removes a defensive option off the bench.No other Hornets are listed as questionable, so the main rotation should be intact.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies continue to deal with major losses across the lineup: • Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain): Morant’s injury removes the team’s primary creator and transition threat. • Brandon Clarke (right calf strain): Clarke’s energy and interior mobility are unavailable. • Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction): Edey’s size and rebounding would normally help control the paint. • Ty Jerome (right calf strain): Jerome’s shooting and secondary ballhandling are out. • Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe surgery recovery): His scoring and shot creation are also missing.No Grizzlies are listed as questionable.
Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies Projected lineups (January 28, 2026)
Charlotte Hornets
– PG: LaMelo Ball- SG: Terry Rozier- SF: Brandon Miller- PF: Miles Bridges- C: Nick RichardsBall and Rozier will handle most of the offense. Miller and Bridges are expected to score on the wings, while Richards anchors the middle.
Memphis Grizzlies
– PG: Desmond Bane- SG: Luke Kennard or another wing- SF: Jaren Jackson Jr. (if active)- PF: Santi Aldama- C: Replacement option for EdeyBane becomes the main ball-handler and scorer. Jackson’s role on defense and spacing is critical if he is available.
Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies Recent form and head-to-head
Memphis Grizzlies have generally performed better in this matchup at home over the past few seasons. This year, the Grizzlies sit around 18–26, while Charlotte is slightly better but still outside the top tier in the East. Both teams are trying to steady their season before the All-Star break.
Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies Team stats snapshot
CategoryCharlotte HornetsMemphis Grizzlies Points per game ~112–114 ~110–112 Points allowed ~116–118 ~115–117 Offensive rating Slightly below average Around average Defensive rating Below average Below average Pace Moderate to fast Moderate
What to watch tonight’s Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies game
Charlotte will try to pressure the paint and play faster, especially with Memphis missing frontcourt depth. Memphis must replace Morant’s offense through spacing and shooting, with Bane carrying a heavy load. Bench minutes and three-point shooting are likely to decide the game.