Hawks vs Memphis Prediction 5 October 2026
🏀 The Atlanta Hawks will host the Memphis Grizzlies in one of the NBA preseason matchups. Both teams have undergone significant changes and are entering the new campaign with very different ambitions. For the head coaches and their staffs, this game offers a valuable opportunity to assess summer transfer moves, give draft rookies some playing time, and test out new offensive and defensive schemes.
Head-to-Head
📊Last season, these teams faced off three times, with Atlanta coming out on top in every encounter. Their most recent head-to-head took place on 23 March 2026 at the Hawks’ home court, where Atlanta cruised to a dominant 146-107 victory.
Head-to-head statistics Hawks - Memphis
Atlanta Hawks Team Overview
Atlanta have doubled down on depth and defense this offseason. Wiggins arrived from Oklahoma City, while Dort and Nembhard joined via a three-team trade with Dallas that saw Risache head to the Mavericks. In the draft, the Hawks picked up Fleming at No. 8, Ejiofor at No. 23, and Veesaar at No. 52. McCollum stays on a one-year deal. Then, in September, Atlanta sent Hield, Nembhard, and cash to Charlotte in exchange for forward Finney-Smith. Additionally, the Hawks declined Kuminga’s team option, making him a free agent.
Atlanta’s biggest strength is likely to be their perimeter play. Dort, Wiggins, and Daniels bring relentless defensive pressure-something Memphis simply lack the bench depth to counter. Landale and Okongwu should provide solid rim protection. Even though this is just the first preseason clash, bookmakers have made Atlanta clear favorites for a reason.
Match Results: Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies Team Overview
The Memphis Grizzlies are once again undergoing a major rebuild. The catalyst for this overhaul was the long-anticipated trade of Ja Morant, who moved to Portland in exchange for Jerami Grant and Keldon Murray. Following that, Isaiah Stewart arrived from Detroit, John Post was signed, and in the draft, the Grizzlies picked up Boozer and Lopez. Boozer, who was selected third overall after averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in his season at Duke, joins Lopez, taken with the 21st pick. Heading into the regular season, Memphis have 19 guaranteed contracts on their roster-meaning four players will have to be cut. This detail adds extra intrigue to preseason action, as those on the bubble will be fighting for every possession.
The main question for Memphis right now is who will anchor the paint. Edey is unlikely to feature in this matchup due to injury. The coaching staff plan to use a deep rotation against Atlanta, so no one is expected to log heavy minutes. Without a reliable big man, Boozer and Grant could find themselves without much support inside, and Memphis are likely to struggle on the boards.
Match Results: Memphis Grizzlies
Total Points Prediction
In head-to-head matchups, Atlanta average 107.7 points per game, while Memphis put up 104.9. The combined average total in these meetings stands at 212.6 points. On home court, the Hawks typically score 82.2 points, whereas the Grizzlies average 102.5 on the road. Notably, Atlanta have failed to surpass the 116.5-point mark in each of their last six outings. Given that the hosts are still shaking off the rust after a lengthy break, it makes sense to back Atlanta’s individual total under 116.5 at odds of 2.09.
Match Outcome Prediction
The two teams have faced off 40 times in their history. The current hosts have claimed 24 wins, while the visitors have 16 victories to their name. However, in eight of the last nine head-to-head clashes, the Grizzlies have either come out on top or lost by no more than seven points. With that in mind, backing the visitors with a +7.5 handicap at odds of 1.64 looks like a solid pick.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Bookmakers favour the home side, citing both home-court advantage and a stronger roster. Still, preseason games rarely hinge on results, with teams more focused on finding rhythm and experimenting with rotations. With both squads easing into competitive shape and likely to rotate heavily, the smarter play here is targeting total points rather than the outcome. Both teams boast considerable offensive firepower and deep benches, setting the stage for a high-scoring, free-flowing contest where defence takes a back seat. Memphis, in particular, have a glaring weakness in the paint, which will likely force them to double down on offence. The pick: over 227.5 total points.
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Betting Tips: Atlanta Hawks - Memphis Grizzlies
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