Grizzlies, facing daunting road to play-in, visit hot Hornets
The Memphis Grizzlies can't wait any longer to turn their season around.
The task could be difficult against the surging Hornets, however, when the teams meet Saturday night in Charlotte.
Memphis has lost nine of its past 10 games, including a 117-112 setback to visiting Boston on Friday night. The Grizzlies faded late in that game.
"Guys are competing, competing at a very high level," Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo said. "Unfortunately, we lost the battle for the rebounds (Friday)."
Even 23 points from Tyler Burton, who came off the Memphis bench in his fifth career game, weren't enough. That marked the first time in his brief NBA career that he has scored in double digits.
"Everybody was still looking to find him for those open shots," Iisalo said. "Tyler is playing with great confidence."
The Hornets (36-34) and Grizzlies (24-45) are near the cut line as far as qualifying for the postseason in their respective conferences, though Memphis has far more work to do.
Charlotte occupies the 10th slot in the Eastern Conference, putting the Hornets in the play-in tournament for now. Memphis is 12th in the Western Conference but would need to string together several wins -- and get some help -- to advance to the play-in. The Grizzlies are 8 1/2 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th spot.
The Hornets won their fourth game in a five-game stretch by blowing out visiting Orlando 130-111 on Thursday. Since the games of Jan. 22, Charlotte is 20-6.
It was another example for Charlotte of a high-powered offense fueled by various sources. Five different players have been the Hornets' top scorer across the past seven games.
"We understand how much we need each other to have success," Hornets coach Charles Lee said. "The way that we play offensively is trust the pass."
Guard Coby White has continued his big impact since joining the Hornets from the Chicago Bulls in a February trade. He had 27 points on Thursday, leading the team in scoring for the first time and coming off the bench again.
"It's an adjustment," White said of having the reserve role. "But I just want to win. I'm excited. I'm blessed to be here, whatever role that is. I've been in every role since I've been in the NBA. I've been a starter, sixth man, ninth man, whatever you want to call it. No. 1 option, 15th option. It don't matter. I just love to play basketball. If I get the opportunity to play and win at a high level, I'm all for it."
White has seemed re-energized since arriving in the deal with Chicago. Lee said there has been a good evolution for the Hornets since White has joined the rotation.
"He has just such a great feel," Lee said. "He's getting used to his teammates. ... He has got to be himself, and I think the guys encourage him to do that and continue to be aggressive."
Charlotte won 112-97 on Jan. 28 at Memphis in a result that was part of the Hornets' nine-game winning streak. Brandon Miller had 26 points to pace the team that night, while Jaren Jackson Jr. matched that with 26 for the Grizzlies.
The Hornets have been playing in front of home sellouts recently. Saturday will mark the third game of a seven-game homestand.
"We noticed it and we appreciate it and we love that we can continue to give them something to be proud of," Lee said.
The Grizzlies have won nine games since the calendar flipped to 2026.
Memphis holds an 11-23 road record. Cedric Coward, who has started 39 games this season for the Grizzlies, missed Friday's game vs. Boston because of personal reasons.