Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Charlotte Hornets

Both the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets are looking to stay relevant in two conferences that have drastically changed. Can they prevail?

If you really think about it, the Charlotte Hornets and the Memphis Grizzlies are two similar teams. Both teams rely on underrated point guards. For years, they’ve relied on a defense-first philosophy. Also, they’re both fighting for relevance and a playoff spot in two totally different conferences.

The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to weather the storm of the offseason. Now, the Western Conference opponents will see the likes of Jimmy Butler, Paul George and Paul Millsap four times a year instead of two. That doesn’t even include a full season of Cousins-Davis in New Orleans; or CP3-Harden in Houston. It’ll be a whirlwind for sure.

On the other side, it’s easy to hype up the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. However, the Hornets have a solid team capable of making the playoffs — perhaps over the Sixers.

Can both of these teams battle through to make the postseason? To do so, one of these teams must take care of business against the non-conference foe.

Starting 5

PG – Kemba Walker

SG – Nic Batum

SF – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

PF – Marvin Williams

C – Dwight Howard

Advantages for the Grizzlies

• Mike Conley

Some people on NBA Twitter think Kemba Walker is a better point guard than Conley, but they’re wrong. Conley is superior in many aspects of the game: shooting, ball-handling, passing and defense. Also, Conley has proven time and time again that he can care a team to the postseason — even in the loaded Western Conference.

Don’t get me wrong. Kemba Walker is a solid point guard, but he lacks the defensive chops to stop Conley. A statement game from the Conductor could silence the critics and put the Grizzlies out on top.

• Tyreke Evans

The Hornets have terrorizing defenders in the starting 5 with Nic Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist harassing opposing wings. Off the bench though … YIKES!

Tyreke Evans will more than likely face Malik Monk, Michael Carter-Williams or Jeremy Lamb. Look for Reke to dominate the second unit to propel the Grizzlies to victory.

Advantages for the Hornets

• Nic Batum

Batum is a Swiss-army knife on the court. He can haul in rebounds, run the offense, shoot the 3, lock down on defense and score in a variety of ways. On some nights, he’s a walking triple-double. If his shot isn’t on, he’s still valuable because of his defense. He’s truly one of the most underrated players in the NBA.

Unless the knee — or voodoo — doctors work some magic, Batum will make the Grizzlies’ wings non-factors on offense and torch them on defense. Ultimately, big nights from Batum usually lead to Hornet victories.

• Dwight Howard’s rebounding

Not to long ago, Dwight Howard was the best big man in the NBA. Even in his off years, he was leading the league in rebounds. If he comes back slightly more motivated, he can continue being a beast on the glass.

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• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Without Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies will be one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball. If Howard gets on the glass and creates extra possessions, it’ll be a long night for Marc Gasol — one of the league’s worst rebounding centers — and the Grizz.

Closing Remarks

The Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets both have work to do to make the playoffs. They need young stars to fill in supporting roles and lift the burden from their usage-heavy stars.

They both have the pieces to make the playoffs, but who will step up?