Grizzlies Desperate for a Road Win: Is Charlotte the Cure or Another Crushing Blow?

The Memphis Grizzlies roll into Charlotte tonight, 24-45 on the season, and let's be real, they're just trying to get through it. This team has been decimated by injuries, running out a lineup that would make a G-League coach scratch his head. They’ve dropped their last six road games, a streak stretching back to a 106-102 loss in Portland on March 1st. That’s a month without a win away from FedExForum. Rough.

Ja Morant’s been out since January 29th with that shoulder surgery. Desmond Bane, he’s been in and out, playing just 35 games this season. Marcus Smart, the guy they brought in to be their defensive stopper and veteran leader, has only suited up 34 times. Seriously, at this point, you almost expect the opposing team to just forfeit out of sympathy. The Grizzlies actually beat the Spurs 106-98 at home on March 18th, and that felt like a huge upset given who was actually on the court.

Here's the thing: Charlotte isn't exactly setting the world on fire either. The Hornets are 36-34, sitting tenth in the East. They're trying to hold onto that play-in spot, and they've actually played some decent ball lately. They beat the Hawks 118-115 on March 23rd, thanks to Miles Bridges dropping 28 points. Before that, they knocked off the Magic 104-103. They’re not world-beaters, but they’re not rolling over, either.

**Memphis's Scrambled Lineup and Hope**

Memphis is basically a collection of G-Leaguers and deep bench guys right now. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the last man standing, averaging 22.8 points and 5.5 rebounds a night. He’s carrying an insane load, playing 33.5 minutes per game. GG Jackson, the rookie, has shown flashes, putting up 13.6 points in 40 appearances. He had 20 points and 7 rebounds in that loss to the Kings last Monday, a 121-111 final. Vince Williams Jr. has been a surprise, too, averaging 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. These guys are playing hard; they just don't have the talent or experience to consistently win.

Charlotte, on the other hand, has Terry Rozier running the show, averaging 23.2 points and 6.5 assists. He's been reliable. LaMelo Ball is still out with that ankle injury, so it's not like the Hornets are at full strength either. Brandon Miller, the rookie, has been a bright spot, putting up 17.0 points per game. He dropped 26 points against the Hawks last week. So, you've got two teams missing key pieces, but Charlotte at least has some consistent scoring threats.

This feels like a game where the Grizzlies could absolutely steal one, purely because Charlotte has a tendency to play down to their competition. But I just don't see it. Memphis has lost their last two games by double-digits, falling to the Kings by 10 and then getting blown out by the Warriors 137-116 on March 20th. They just don't have enough firepower to keep up.

Bold prediction: The Grizzlies will extend their road losing streak to seven games. Charlotte wins this one 110-98, with Miles Bridges having a big night, probably around 30 points.