The Memphis Grizzlies face the Charlotte Hornets in an NBA Preseason game on Friday, October 16, 2026, at FedExForum in Memphis. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time at the arena), with live streaming coverage available in the United States on DAZN and NBA League Pass.
Both franchises enter the contest holding a 1-2 record in the October 2026 preseason schedule. The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to build on a 2025-26 regular season where they finished in the lower positions of the Western Conference with a 25-57 record, while the Charlotte Hornets finished ninth in the Eastern Conference at 44-38. In their most recent official regular-season meeting on March 21, 2026, in Charlotte, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 124-101.
Where to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets live
Fans in the United States can follow the preseason matchup through two live streaming platforms.
- DAZN (streaming)
- NBA League Pass (streaming)
Start time and venue for Memphis Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets
The game takes place in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the league’s preparatory schedule for the 2026-27 campaign.
- Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time at the arena)
- Venue: FedExForum, in Memphis
- Competition and stage: NBA — Preseason
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How the Memphis Grizzlies enter the game
The Memphis Grizzlies are led by Finnish head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who took over as interim coach in March 2025 following the dismissal of Taylor Jenkins and was named permanent head coach in May 2025. Regarding the process of reshaping the team, Tuomas Iisalo stated: “Compared to where I was coaching before, it’s like those were little sailboats, and this is a cruise ship. It takes time to turn the direction of it.”
Before hosting Charlotte, Memphis recorded two losses and one win in October: a 132-123 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks on October 5, a 122-118 loss to the Orlando Magic on October 7, and a 104-100 road victory over the Chicago Bulls on October 9. Against Chicago, the starting lineup featured point guard Ty Jerome (who led the team with 16 points), shooting guard Cedric Coward, small forward Jaylen Wells, power forward Cameron Boozer (selected third overall in the 2026 Draft), and center Zach Edey. General Manager Zach Kleiman addressed Edey’s physical readiness during the preseason: “He’s doing well. He is currently cleared for full speed, full court activity. He’s been there for a little bit at this point and responding well so far.”
On the injury front, power forward/center Isaiah Stewart is ruled out after suffering a moderate left ankle sprain in the preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks, with a two-week re-evaluation timeline announced on October 9, 2026. Shooting guard/small forward Micah Peavy missed the first three preseason games due to an ankle injury sustained at the start of training camp and is listed as day-to-day. His participation depends on final confirmation shortly before tip-off.
How the Charlotte Hornets enter the game
The Charlotte Hornets are coached by American Charles Lee, who was hired in May 2024 and signed a contract extension with the franchise in May 2026. Speaking about his tenure with the organization, Charles Lee said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and building on what we’ve started here in Charlotte.” The front office is headed by General Manager Jeff Peterson.
In their three previous October 2026 preseason outings, the Charlotte Hornets lost to the Brooklyn Nets 124-90 on October 6, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 105-90 on October 11, and fell to the Boston Celtics 114-93 at TD Garden on October 14. In the loss to Boston, where Charlotte committed 30 turnovers, the starting five consisted of point guard Dennis Schröder, shooting guard Brandon Miller (the team’s leading scorer in the game with 16 points), small forward Royce O’Neale, power forward Naz Reid, and center Moussa Diabaté.
Point guard Coby White is confirmed out for the entire preseason after suffering a left calf strain during training camp, according to an official team announcement on October 5, 2026. Shooting guard Kon Knueppel and power forward Grant Williams have dealt with hamstring injuries during the preseason. In the October 14 game against the Boston Celtics, the Hornets’ inactive list included Grayson Allen, Kylan Boswell, Kon Knueppel, Coby White, and Grant Williams. The on-court availability of players listed as questionable or rested in previous games—such as Kon Knueppel, Grayson Allen, and Grant Williams—will be determined just prior to the game.
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Officiating for Memphis Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets
The officiating crew (Crew Chief, Referee, and Umpire) for Memphis Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets had not yet been announced at the time of publication, as the NBA officially releases referee assignments on the day of the game.
Head-to-head history and next games for Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets
Across 49 all-time meetings between the two franchises—comprising 43 regular-season games and six preseason contests—the Memphis Grizzlies hold a 27-22 advantage over the Charlotte Hornets. However, Charlotte won the most recent clashes during the 2025-26 cycle: in addition to the 124-101 victory on March 21, 2026, the Hornets beat the Grizzlies 112-97 in Memphis on January 28, 2026, and won 145-116 in the previous preseason on October 15, 2025.
Following Friday’s matchup, both teams will prepare for their 2026-27 NBA regular-season openers scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The Memphis Grizzlies will debut at home against the Utah Jazz, while the Charlotte Hornets will open their campaign on the road against the Brooklyn Nets.