Memphis Grizzlies Roll Past Charlotte Hornets 117-98 in Preseason Action

The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a commanding 117-98 victory over the visiting Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as both clubs prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA Regular Season. Memphis controlled the tempo on both ends of the floor to secure a 19-point margin despite resting and rehabilitating several rotation pieces.

The Memphis Grizzlies turned in a sharp two-way performance on Friday night, defeating the visiting Charlotte Hornets 117-98 in preseason action ahead of the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season. Playing on their home floor, Memphis established control early and steadily widened the gap through balanced offensive execution and disciplined interior defense. By the final buzzer, the Grizzlies had built a comfortable 19-point cushion while holding Charlotte below the century mark.

The decisive moment

Memphis separated itself by pairing consistent half-court shot creation with active perimeter containment that prevented Charlotte from stringing together sustained scoring runs. Whenever the Hornets attempted to trim the deficit, the Grizzlies answered with timely transition baskets and crisp ball movement that kept the margin squarely in double figures. That steady pressure across all four quarters ensured the outcome was settled well before the closing minutes.

By the numbers

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 117, Charlotte Hornets 98
Winning Margin: 19 points in favor of Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies Availability: Isaiah Stewart (out, ankle), Micah Peavy (day-to-day, ankle), and Jerami Grant (day-to-day, rest)
Charlotte Hornets Availability: Grant Williams (out for preseason, right hamstring), Kon Knueppel (day-to-day, hamstring), and Kylan Boswell (day-to-day, right knee rehab)

The 19-point differential reflected the Grizzlies' ability to generate high-percentage looks even with key frontcourt veterans sidelined. Meanwhile, Charlotte struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm while navigating multiple perimeter and forward absences.

What it means

For Memphis, the 117-point outburst offers encouraging evidence of roster depth as the coaching staff evaluates lineups prior to the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season schedule opening on October 20. Generating cohesive offense without Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart in uniform underscores the readiness of the Grizzlies' supporting cast. For Charlotte, the game highlighted defensive communication gaps and offensive stretches that will require tightening on the practice court, particularly with Grant Williams sidelined for the exhibition slate due to a right hamstring injury.

What to watch next

Both franchises will now turn their attention to final roster adjustments and health evaluations as the preseason wraps up and the October 20 tip-off of the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season approaches. Memphis will monitor the day-to-day statuses of Micah Peavy and Jerami Grant while keeping Isaiah Stewart on his ankle recovery timeline, whereas Charlotte will track Kon Knueppel's hamstring progress alongside Kylan Boswell's knee rehabilitation ahead of late October G League activities.