Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Memphis GrizzliesOpen full analysis
Charlotte defeated Memphis 112–97 on January 28 at FedExForum, with the Hornets' balanced scoring and three-point depth overwhelming a Grizzlies team that struggled defensively. B. Miller led Charlotte with 26 points, supported by M. Bridges's 20 points, while the Hornets shot 48.9% overall and made 17 three-pointers to control the pace. Memphis countered with J. Jackson Jr.'s 26 points and C. Coward's 17, but the Grizzlies' 45.7% shooting and 14 three-pointers proved insufficient against Charlotte's 43-rebound advantage and 114.8 offensive rating. The decisive stretch came in the opening quarter, when Charlotte poured in 36 points to establish early separation; Memphis's third-quarter collapse—just 20 points—sealed the outcome. Charlotte's defensive rating of 107.4 held Memphis well below the 231.5 Vegas total line, while the Hornets' 17 turnovers versus Memphis's 12 reflected Charlotte's more aggressive, less careful approach. The loss underscores Memphis's defensive vulnerabilities and compounds their recent form struggles.
