Preview: Hornets try to build momentum in preseason game two against the Grizzlies

What: Charlotte Hornets (1-0) vs Memphis Grizzlies (1-0)

When: 7:00 pm EDT

Where: Spectrum Center; Charlotte, NC

How to watch: Bally Sports Southeast

The Hornets make their home preseason debut, and Eric, Dell, and Ashley will be in the house as well. We’ll get our first genuine experience watching James Borrego’s ten leg groove machine on a home broadcast and get our first taste of the nicknames and saying Eric Collins has been conjuring up all offseason.

As for the product on the floor, the Hornets take on a Grizzlies team that is positioned similarly to the Hornets. They’re built around a rising star point guard with some other young pieces that look like they could be gems. The Grizzlies don’t have the veteran talent the Hornets do, but I’m sure that’s likely to change in the near-ish future.

The Grizzlies are coming off an 87-77 win over the Bucks in a game that lasted three quarters due to a fire alarm going off and putting a stop to the game. Ja Morant dominated the night with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists while three other Grizzlies scored in double figures.

The Hornets will be without a couple of notable pieces tonight. Gordon Hayward and Mason Plumlee are out due to health and safety protocols, and Kelly Oubre probably won’t play after tweaking his ankle on that hard fall on Monday night.

That means more minutes for Nick Richards, Vernon Carey, and Kai Jones at the five, and that probably means more early and meaningful minutes for James Bouknight.