You can surely find some interesting Hornets vs Grizzlies props on tonight’s NBA preseason slate!
Memphis is an absolute disaster right now, sitting at 0-3 in the preseason and missing basically everyone who matters.
They’ve dropped games to Detroit (128-112), Boston (121-103), and Atlanta (122-116)—all at home, which makes it even uglier.
Best DFS Apps in All States
Hornets vs Grizzlies Props – Wednesday, October 15
Let’s break down tonight’s preseason finale between Memphis and Charlotte—a matchup that looks absolutely lopsided on paper, but could offer some interesting evaluation angles before both teams kick off the regular season next week.
Hornets Preview
The LaMelo Ball-Collin Sexton backcourt pairing showed real promise against Dallas. Ball posted 20 points on efficient 8-13 shooting while adding 6 assists, and Sexton chipped in 12 points with perfect 6-6 free-throw shooting.
These two score-first guards appear capable of coexisting rather than cannibalizing each other’s usage. If that holds up over a full season, Charlotte’s offense could take a massive leap.
Rookie Kon Knueppel (4th overall pick) has shown typical variance through the preseason—18 points in his debut, then 12 points against Dallas while committing 5 turnovers as he adjusts to NBA speed. The Duke product was brought in specifically to address Charlotte’s chronic three-point shooting woes, so these preseason reps are critical for building confidence.
Ryan Kalkbrenner quietly had a monster game against Dallas with 14 points on perfect 7-7 shooting and 10 rebounds. Second-year head coach Charles Lee has been raving about his potential, comparing him to Brook Lopez.
Head coach Charles Lee is maintaining flexibility with his starting lineup, creating competition between Knueppel, Mann, and Sexton for the two-guard spot.
He’s been clear about his approach: “You guys need to be prepared to start in a lot of different ways, and we’ll see how the season goes.” That matchup-dependent philosophy keeps everyone engaged while maximizing tactical options.
Brandon Miller (last year’s 2nd overall pick) is shaking off nine months of rust after wrist surgery—he posted 15 points against Dallas and is clearly rounding into form as the regular season approaches.
The real story for Charlotte? For the first time in years, they have Ball and Miller healthy simultaneously. When both played together last season (limited sample), the team showed a positive point differential despite horrific overall results. If they can stay on the court, this team could legitimately compete for a play-in spot.
Grizzlies Preview
This franchise just hit the reset button hard. Trading Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a mountain of first-round picks signals they’re pivoting toward the future.
Bane was their most reliable shooter (38.6% from three for his career), and losing him alongside Luke Kennard (43.9% career from deep) has absolutely gutted their spacing. Through three preseason games, the outside shooting has been inconsistent at best.
First-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo is trying to implement an aggressive, uptempo system—Memphis led the league in pace last season at 103.69 possessions per game—but it’s tough to install anything when your entire core is in street clothes.
After the Celtics’ loss, Iisalo called out the team’s cautiousness: “I thought we came out very cautious, and that’s not us at all at our best… The right thing is to be aggressive.”
The few bright spots? Jaylen Wells has been seizing his opportunity in extended minutes—he posted 15 points against Atlanta, including a strong performance at the free-throw line (7-9). The second-year forward is showing he can handle increased responsibility.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided solid veteran production against the Hawks with 13 points on efficient 5-7 shooting, and Santi Aldama delivered a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that justified his fat new contract extension.
Cedric Coward bounced back nicely in his most recent outing with 15 points after a rough debut, showing the mental toughness to push through early struggles.
This is a rudderless ship right now. They’re experimenting with rotations, trying to figure out who can contribute when the stars return, and basically just hoping to avoid more injuries.
Hornets vs Grizzlies Injuries
Memphis is an MAS*H unit right now. Here’s the damage based on the latest injury report:
- Ja Morant (ankle) – Day-to-day, expects to be ready for Opening Night on October 22. Posted on social media telling fans not to worry, but he’s definitely sitting tonight.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe) – Day-to-day, expected to return in 4-6 weeks
- Zach Edey (ankle surgery) – Out, expected to return in 6-9 weeks, will miss season start
- Brandon Clarke (knee synovitis) – Out, will be re-evaluated in six weeks
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe soreness) – Day-to-day, sat out the Atlanta game
- Vince Williams Jr. (rest) – Day-to-day, didn’t play against Atlanta
Editor’s Note: Underdog is offering a FREE Kevin Durant pick for opening night! Get over there!
That’s potentially six players missing tonight, including their two best players. Coach Iisalo said Monday that Morant and Jackson are “progressing very well and are able to do significantly more than they were a week ago,” but neither is sniffing the court tonight.
Charlotte’s injury situation is infinitely better:
- Grant Williams (ACL) – Out for season start
- Josh Green – Status uncertain
Otherwise, the Hornets are good to go. This health disparity is massive and explains why the betting line is what it is.
Who’s Expected to Play Tonight
Memphis Projected Starting Lineup:
- PG: Ty Jerome
- SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- SF: Jaylen Wells
- PF: Santi Aldama
- C: Jock Landale
Key rotation pieces: Cam Spencer, Vince Williams Jr. (if healthy), Cedric Coward, GG Jackson, P.J. Hall, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, John Konchar. This lineup features exactly one player (Aldama) who would start when the team is fully healthy. Yikes.
Charlotte Projected Starting Lineup:
- PG: LaMelo Ball
- SG: Kon Knueppel/Tre Mann/Collin Sexton (genuinely up in the air)
- SF: Brandon Miller
- PF: Miles Bridges
- C: Mason Plumlee/Moussa Diabaté
Key rotation: Whichever guards don’t start (Sexton, Mann, Dinwiddie), Tidjane Salaün, Ryan Kalkbrenker (after his strong Dallas performance), Pat Connaughton.
The betting markets reflect the mismatch: Charlotte is 4.5-point favorites with a -180 moneyline, Memphis at +146. Total sits at 236.5 points.
Hornets vs Grizzlies Props Tonight
Right now, you can find some plays at Underdog Fantasy.
Jaylen Wells remains a very intriguing option, as the sophomore wing has shown plenty of flashes over the past year.
You can find out more info regarding LaMelo Ball props tonight here!
