Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets Game Preview
Injury Report
Hornets - OUT: LaMelo Ball (R ankle), Gordon Hayward (Calf), Frank Ntilikina (L Knee) DOUBTFUL: Mark Williams (Lower Back Contusion) PROBABLE: Terry Rozier (Illness)
Nuggets: QUESTIONABLE Aaron Gordon (Face Lacerations Dog Attack) PROBABLE: Reggie Jackson (Calf Tightness)
Game Preview
Charlotte face off against the Nuggets for the second time within a week, losing at home 102-95 on Christmas Eve. Charlotte played a strong first half being up six at halftime, before Denver opened the second half with a 15-0 run and outscored Charlotte 30-9 in the 3rd quarter. Nick Smith Jr had his career high with 19 points as the Hornets attempted to stage a late comeback.
On the road in Denver is an even greater challenge. The Nuggets play at altitude and have had the 3rd best winning percentage over the last 5 years of all NBA teams. So far this season, the Nuggets have lost only two home games. Charlotte will need to find (or pray) for a solution to slow down Nikola Jokic who is averaging 25pts 12reb 8 ast over his last six games.
Denver's Aaron Gordon has returned to practice but is listed as questionable, Gordon suffered face lacerations after a dog bite over the Christmas period. Although scary, it is expected Gordon will make a full recovery. Second year forward Peyton Watson, a defensive Swiss army knife will hope to take advantage of the starting opportunity.
The Hornets continue to be shorthanded, likely missing three starters on their longest road trip of the season. The losing streak being extended to 11 games seems as assured as anything can be within the NBA.
Key Matchup: Nikola Jokic vs Nick Richards
Richards had his best game as a starter since Williams was injured last time vs Denver. He finished with 12 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and most importantly 1 foul which enabled him to play 38 minutes. He played good defense against Jokic who had a pedestrian game by his standards 18 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists.
For Charlotte to have any chance they need Richards to stay out of foul trouble and match-up with Jokic on both ends. Nathan Mensah has battled well defensively when given the opportunity, but is a non factor on offense which has hurt Charlotte's second unit.
Predicted Starting Fives
| Charlotte Hornets | Denver Nuggets | |
|---|---|---|
PG | Terry Rozier | Jamal Murray |
SG | Bryce McGowens | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope |
SF | Brandon Miller | Peyton Watson |
PF | Miles Bridges | Michael Porter Jr |
C | Nick Richards | Nikola Jokic |
