Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets Game Preview
INJURY REPORT:
Hornets: OUT - Cody Martin (Knee), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia), Miles Bridges (Suspension), James Bouknight (Knee)
Nets: OUT - Cameron Johnson (Calf), Nic Claxton (Ankle)
GAME PREVIEW: The Hornets are coming off a rough loss to the Detroit Pistons that saw the Pistons play bully ball and be very physical in the paint. The Hornets should expect a similar game plan from the Brooklyn Nets tonight, since they are also known to be physical.
One of the bright spots for the Hornets this season has been No. 2 pick Brandon Miller, who is averaging 15.0 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds on 50.0% shooting from the field and 45.5% from three. Miller will have a tougher matchup tonight with Mikal Bridges.
Hornets star LaMelo Ball has had a rough start to the season despite averaging 19.0 points and 10.0 assists per game. His shooting has been lackluster with shooting splits of 25.0% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Look for LaMelo Ball to have a bounce back performance tonight as he's still rehabbing and getting back into game shape after fracturing his ankle last season.
The Nets are coming off a loss to the Dallas Mavericks in which Luka Doncic lit them up for 49 points. Although, Brooklyn has had some tough losses to the Mavs and Cavs, they've been right there in both games.
A huge part in that is Cam Thomas, who has really emerged through the first two games where is averaging 33.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, while shooting an outstanding 62.5% from the field.
Note: Dennis Smith Jr. will make his return to Buzz City tonight. Smith played in Charlotte last season before signing with the Brooklyn Nets this past summer. Smith is averaging 5.0 points per game with 1.0 assist in two games this season.
KEY MATCHUP: Mark Williams vs Brooklyn
Brooklyn doesn't have their typical center rotation with Nic Claxton out, which means Mark WIlliams should be looking to dominate. Williams had a rough going against the Detroit Pistons with just two points and three rebounds with five fouls. Expect Williams to have a rebound performance versus a weaker center rotation of the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are limited to just Day'Ron Sharpe and Harry Giles at the center position. The Nets have went smaller after the loss of Claxton, as they have started Ben Simmons and Dorian Finney-Smith at the four and five.
| Position | Hornets | Nets |
|---|---|---|
Point Guard | LaMelo Ball | Spencer Dinwiddie |
Shooting Guard | Terry Rozier | Cam Thomas |
Small Forward | Gordon Hayward | Mikal Bridges |
Power Forwarrd | PJ Washington | Ben Simmons |
Center | Mark Williams | Day'ron Sharpe |
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