Memphis Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets

The Memphis Grizzlies will face the Charlotte Hornets on October 15, 2025, at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, serving as one of the final preseason games before the 2025–26 NBA season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Both teams are using this matchup as a final tune-up to refine lineups, test rotations, and evaluate new players ahead of the regular season. The game’s neutral-site setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, giving local fans a rare chance to see both teams in action outside their home arenas.

Memphis heads into the game with several injuries that could heavily influence their approach. Ja Morant remains out with an ankle issue, Zach Edey is sidelined with a sprained ankle, and Brandon Clarke continues to recover from a knee injury. Jaren Jackson Jr. is expected to be rested or play limited minutes, while Scotty Pippen Jr. and Vince Williams Jr. are available after minor knocks. As a result, the Grizzlies will rely more on Santi Aldama, G.G. Jackson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Jaylen Wells to carry the load and earn valuable preseason minutes.

For Charlotte, the situation is more stable. Grant Williams and Josh Green are still unavailable due to knee and shoulder problems, while Tre Mann’s hip issue leaves him questionable. However, LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges are all expected to play, forming the team’s offensive core. New additions like Collin Sexton and rookie Kon Knueppel will also be given opportunities off the bench as Charlotte Hornets look to finalize their depth chart before opening night.

Tactically, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins is likely to prioritize flexibility and pace, using a spread offense that relies on spacing and quick ball movement to overcome the absence of his stars. Expect the Grizzlies to test multiple defensive schemes and rotations to see which bench players can adapt. Charlotte coach Steve Clifford, meanwhile, is focused on building rhythm and chemistry among his starters. His approach typically emphasizes ball control, structured half-court offense, and solid defensive rotations, so this game will likely serve as a rehearsal for the team’s preferred starting lineup.

In the media buildup, coverage has focused on the contrasting situations of the two franchises. Analysts note that Memphis’s depth is being tested earlier than expected and that this preseason has been a valuable opportunity for young players to earn bigger roles. For Charlotte, commentators point out that this matchup provides a good chance to showcase the team’s progress under Clifford and to assess whether their retooled roster can push for playoff contention this season. Studio analysts have highlighted key storylines such as LaMelo Ball’s leadership, Brandon Miller’s consistency, and how the Grizzlies’ young talent responds to adversity in a game that, while technically preseason, holds significant meaning for evaluation purposes.