Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies: Injury-Riddled Clash at FedExForum
The Charlotte Hornets are set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies in a Wednesday night NBA showdown at FedExForum, with both squads entering the contest significantly depleted due to injuries. This shortage of available players fundamentally alters the dynamics of the game, forcing adjustments in rotations and strategies.
Injury Report and Player Availability for January 28, 2026
Charlotte Hornets Injury Status
The Charlotte Hornets have confirmed two key absences that will impact their gameplay. Mason Plumlee is out due to right groin surgery recovery, which strips the team of size, rebounding, and rim protection. This absence may lead to fewer traditional lineups and increased reliance on guard-oriented play. Additionally, KJ Simpson is sidelined with a left hip flexor strain, thinning the guard rotation and removing a defensive option off the bench. No other Hornets players are listed as questionable, so the core rotation remains otherwise intact.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Status
The Memphis Grizzlies are grappling with substantial losses across their lineup, severely testing their depth. Ja Morant is out with a left elbow UCL sprain, depriving the team of its primary creator and transition threat. Other confirmed absences include Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction), Ty Jerome (right calf strain), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe surgery recovery). These injuries collectively remove energy, interior mobility, size, rebounding, shooting, and shot creation from the Grizzlies' arsenal. No players are listed as questionable, indicating a clear but challenging roster situation.
Projected Starting Lineups for the Game
Charlotte Hornets Projected Lineup
- Point Guard: LaMelo Ball
- Shooting Guard: Terry Rozier
- Small Forward: Brandon Miller
- Power Forward: Miles Bridges
- Center: Nick Richards
In this configuration, Ball and Rozier are expected to shoulder the bulk of the offensive responsibilities, while Miller and Bridges provide scoring on the wings. Richards will anchor the middle, compensating for the absence of Plumlee.
Memphis Grizzlies Projected Lineup
- Point Guard: Desmond Bane
- Shooting Guard: Luke Kennard or another wing option
- Small Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr. (if active)
- Power Forward: Santi Aldama
- Center: Replacement option for Edey
With Morant out, Bane steps into the primary ball-handler and scorer role, making his performance crucial. Jackson's availability is key for defense and spacing, while the frontcourt adjustments will be vital to counter the loss of Edey.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Analysis
Historically, the Memphis Grizzlies have held an advantage in this matchup, particularly on their home court over recent seasons. This year, the Grizzlies are positioned around an 18–26 record, while the Charlotte Hornets are slightly better but still outside the top tier in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are striving to stabilize their seasons as they approach the All-Star break, adding urgency to this encounter.
Team Statistics Snapshot
Key Metrics Comparison
- Points per game: Charlotte Hornets ~112–114, Memphis Grizzlies ~110–112
- Points allowed: Charlotte Hornets ~116–118, Memphis Grizzlies ~115–117
- Offensive rating: Charlotte Hornets slightly below average, Memphis Grizzlies around average
- Defensive rating: Both teams below average
- Pace: Both teams moderate to fast
What to Watch in Tonight's Game
This matchup is not centered on star power but rather on execution, lineup balance, and resilience during slower phases. The Charlotte Hornets are likely to emphasize pressure in the paint and a faster tempo, exploiting Memphis's depleted frontcourt depth. Conversely, the Memphis Grizzlies must compensate for Morant's absence by leveraging spacing and shooting, with Bane carrying a heavy offensive load. Bench contributions and three-point shooting efficiency are anticipated to be decisive factors, as mistakes and scoring droughts could tilt the outcome.
