FedExForum in Memphis hosts the National Basketball Association (NBA) preseason matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Hornets on Friday (16). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time in the Central Time Zone (9 p.m. Brasília time) as both franchises continue their exhibition schedule ahead of the regular season. Live coverage for viewers in Brazil is carried exclusively on the NBA League Pass streaming service.

Both rosters enter the floor holding identical preseason records of one win and two losses. During the 2025-26 regular season campaign, the Memphis Grizzlies finished 13th in the Western Conference standings with 25 wins and 57 losses, while the Charlotte Hornets claimed the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference at 44 wins and 38 losses. In the most recent official meeting between the two sides on March 21, 2026, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 124-101 in Charlotte.

Broadcast details and tip-off times for the matchup in Memphis

Supporters watching from Brazil can follow the exhibition contest exclusively through the league’s official digital subscription platform. No traditional television network holds broadcast rights for this game in the country.

• Date: October 16, 2026
• Local arena time: 7 p.m. CDT (America/Chicago)
• Brasília time: 9 p.m. BRT
• Venue: FedExForum in Memphis
• Competition and stage: NBA (North American basketball league) — Preseason
• Live broadcast: NBA League Pass (streaming)

Roster status and recent results for the Memphis Grizzlies

Finnish head coach Tuomas Iisalo leads the Memphis Grizzlies after being named to the permanent role in May 2025, having initially taken over as interim coach in place of Taylor Jenkins in March of that same year. Under his direction, the home team comes off a 104-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls on October 9, 2026. Prior to that triumph, the squad dropped its opening two exhibition contests, falling 132-123 to the Atlanta Hawks on October 5 and 122-118 to the Orlando Magic on October 7.

Against the Chicago Bulls, the starting lineup featured point guard Ty Jerome, who led the team in scoring with 16 points, alongside shooting guard Cedric Coward, small forward Jaylen Wells, power forward Cameron Boozer — selected with the third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the league’s annual player selection process — and center Zach Edey. Addressing Edey’s physical recovery, franchise general manager Zach Kleiman stated: “He is doing well. He is currently cleared for full-court, full-speed activities. He has been at that stage for some time now and has responded well so far.”

On the injury front, power forward and center Isaiah Stewart is ruled out of the home contest due to a moderate left ankle sprain sustained against the Atlanta Hawks, with a two-week re-evaluation timeline announced on October 9. Meanwhile, shooting guard and small forward Micah Peavy, who missed the first three preseason games after suffering an ankle injury during training camp, remains listed as questionable. The coaching staff will determine Peavy’s availability shortly before tip-off.

Lineup adjustments and absences for the Charlotte Hornets

American head coach Charles Lee, hired in May 2024 before signing a contract extension in May 2026, oversees the visiting Charlotte Hornets. During the current exhibition slate, the team opened with a 124-90 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on October 6, bounced back to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 105-90 on October 11, and fell 114-93 to the Boston Celtics on October 14 at TD Garden. In that defeat in Boston, the roster committed 30 turnovers.

During the matchup against the Boston Celtics, 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 remains sidelined for the entirety of the preseason schedule due to a left calf strain, according to an official medical update released on October 5.

Beyond White, the inactive list for the October 14 contest included Grayson Allen, Kylan Boswell, shooting guard Kon Knueppel, and power forward Grant Williams. Both Knueppel and Williams are recovering from hamstring injuries, and the participation of players resting or undergoing rehabilitation depends on pre-game medical clearance.

Officiating crew and head-to-head history before the regular season

The officiating crew for the clash between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Hornets had not been announced when this report was finalized. Under standard NBA

Across 49 all-time meetings between the two organizations, combining 43 regular season games and six preseason appearances, the Memphis Grizzlies hold an overall advantage of 27 wins to 22 victories for the Charlotte Hornets. Despite the historical edge belonging to the Tennessee franchise, the North Carolina squad won the most recent matchups during the 2025-26 cycle: in addition to the 124-101 result in March 2026, the Hornets secured a 112-97 victory on January 28, 2026, in Memphis, as well as a 145-116 triumph in the previous preseason on October 15, 2025.

Both teams officially tip off the 2026-27 NBA regular season on Wednesday (21). The Memphis Grizzlies remain at home to face the Utah Jazz, while the Charlotte Hornets travel to play on the road against the Brooklyn Nets.