Grizzlies vs. Hornets Preseason Preview

The Hornets will look to build on their previous win against the Heat as they face the Grizzlies on the tenth. This is another interesting matchup with plenty of young to watch. The Hornets should look to improve on their poor shooting performance in their last outing.

The big matchup to watch tonight will be with the big men down low. The hornets will have their hands full trying to contain Zach Edey down low. Standing at 7’4 and weighing over 300 pounds they will have a size advantage down low. Nick Richards will have to box out all night long with forwards coming down to grab rebounds.

While being smaller than Edey the Hornets are also faster when he is on the court. Look for the hornets to get out on fast breaks and wear down the young center. This should allow opportunities in the paint without the 7’4 giant looming over. We all know Lamelo Ball and the young hornets core have no problem pushing the pace of a game.

Watch for Miles Bridges to have a big game tonight for the Hornets. With Richards boxing out Edey it will have Bridges running towards the rim for rebounds. I expect we could see a double double from him tonight if he gets big time minutes.

Another matchup to watch us GG Jackson and Brandon Miller. The two young athletic forwards will certainly match up against one another. These two young players have been playing going back to their SEC days in college. Each wants to get the better of the other. They both have the ability to score on all three levels and create their own shot.

It was clear from the previous preseason matchup with the Heat that Coach Lee sees this as a time to get a run in and test the system. Don’t expect to continue to see large minutes played from the Hornets core. Coach Lee pulled the starters in the fourth quarter of a close game against the Heat. Expect for a first half stint with the starters and a second half more heavily focused on the bench.

Keep your eyes on KJ Simpson the Hornets rookie from Colorado. He got heavy minutes last game and could see more this game. His lack of size requires that he be a difference maker on the offensive side if he ever wants to see heavy usage in the NBA. He is crafty and a team player who focuses on spreading the ball around. He is a shift player who looks to use his speed to run the puck and roll and attack down hill. He will certainly start his career in Greensboro as he continues developing his talent.