NBA Odds: Hornets-Grizzlies prediction, odds and pick

The Grizzlies are the current NBA champions. The Hornets are struggling to improve on their third-place finish from last season. Gordon Hayward is injured and is questionable to play. Memphis won 56-26 last year and were awarded with the number-two-overall seed out west.

The Hornets lost to the Bulls in Chicago. Charlotte is shooting 36% from three-point range. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Dennis Smith Jr are good playmakers. The Hornets are expected to use their athleticism to their advantage. They need to focus on shooting more and not settle for jump shots. The team is expected by many to cover the spread.

The Memphis Grizzlies are a team that has improved a lot under the leadership of Taylor Jenkins. They are averaging 117.9 points per game on the offensive end, but they surrender 119.5 points on defense. The Grizzlies have four players averaging double-digits. They can cover the spread at home against the Hornets. It's the defense that is the biggest concern for the Grizzlies.

Gordon Hayward is not available for Hornets-Grizzlies. Grizzlies are too talented for the Hornets to cover the spread.