Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of a tightly contested race for a top-six finish in the Western Conference and need to win every remaining game to stay on course for a direct play-off spot. In contrast, the Charlotte Hornets are no longer in the postseason picture, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and seemingly focused on improving their draft position.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have lost eight of their last nine games. With both LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller sidelined, the squad is lacking in offensive creativity. They are averaging just 105.7 points per game, the third-lowest scoring average in the NBA. Their three-point shooting is also among the league’s worst, at just 34%, ranking 28th overall. During this poor run, the team has scored 110 points or more only twice and has been on the receiving end of several heavy defeats — including a 14-point loss to the Indiana Pacers (106:120), a 23-point loss to the Sacramento Kings (115:138), and a 35-point blowout against the Oklahoma City Thunder (90:125).
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have shown signs of improvement, securing two crucial victories against the Miami Heat (110:108) and the Detroit Pistons (109:103). The squad has been dominant on the boards, averaging 47.4 rebounds per game — the second-best statistic in the league. In their most recent outing, they pulled down 64 rebounds. Frontcourt duo Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zak Idy have been performing strongly, and if Ja Morant — who has tallied 66 points over two games in April — returns to the court, the team will be even more potent offensively.
Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
The Memphis Grizzlies remain fully motivated and are excelling both defensively and in rebounding. In contrast, the Charlotte Hornets are struggling, short on both drive and cohesion, and have been outclassed even by mid-standings opponents. The Memphis Grizzlies have won eight of the last eleven meetings between these sides, including a dominant 132:120 win earlier this season. Given the current form of both teams, the expectation is that the Memphis Grizzlies will cover the spread.
