Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: 2 Keys to the game vs. Memphis Grizzlies

By Emmett Ball

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a shot against Gorgui Dieng #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 01, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/ Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a shot against Gorgui Dieng #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 01, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/ Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 01: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to shoot against Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 01, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/ Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 01: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to shoot against Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 01, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/ Getty Images) /

The Charlotte Hornets must effectively defend the paint to have success against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night.

The Charlotte Hornets have done relatively well recently on defending the painted area but there is a big emphasis Wednesday night as Jonas Valanciunas continues to have a great season at center for the Memphis Grizzlies. He has averaged 16 points and11 rebounds on 55% shooting playing 27 minutes per game.

He had a superb game Monday night against the Toronto Raptors with 27 points and 20 rebounds, getting whatever he wanted on the interior. Cody Zeller has had his hands full in recent games matching up with elite centers such as Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert, and Bam Adebayo, but he will need to bring it once more against Valanciunas.

Ja Morant has not solidified himself yet as a consistent shooter, so he tends to drive the ball to the cup this year like he did his rookie year so the Hornets need to make sure that they contain his drives and refrain from committing fouls.

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