Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks Game Preview
INJURY REPORT:
HORNETS: OUT: Terry Rozier (Groin), Miles Bridges (Suspension), James Bouknight (Knee), Cody Martin (Knee), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia)
MAVERICKS: OUT: Maxi Kleber (Toe), Markieff Morris (Illness), Probable: Kyrie Irving (Foot)
GAME PREVIEW: The Hornets are coming off of a thrilling 125-124 win last night against the Indiana Pacers. It's going to be a tough game versus the Mavericks tonight, as the Hornets have little to no rest coming in and had to travel to Dallas late last night. As well, the Hornets might have lost Terry Rozier for an extended amount of time as he suffered a groin injury in the win over the Pacers.
Most likely due to the fact of Rozier's injury, it means that Brandon Miller will receive his first start in the NBA. It's a lot earlier than anyone would've anticipated for Miller to get his first start, but the Hornets need him now that Rozier has went down. Miller has had a good start to his rookie campaign averaging 14.4 points per game.
Look for PJ Washington to have a big game tonight versus the Mavericks. The Mavericks have always been one of Washington's more favorable matchups. Washington has averaged 16.8 points per game, along with 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the eight meetings against the Dallas Mavericks in his career. Dallas is also where PJ Washington grew up and the Mavericks were also in rumors of signing PJ Washington this summer. Washington has recorded three straight 20+ point performances versus the Mavericks.
The Mavericks are having a really good start to the season thus far, as they currently hold a 4-1 record and sit third in the Western Conference. On Friday, the Mavericks suffered their first loss in the hands of last year's NBA Champions, the Denver Nuggets.
The Mavericks added two new pieces in free agency with Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. They have both been very huge pieces in the Mavericks early success so far this season. Grant Williams is averaging 15.0 points per game, along with 5.0 rebounds, while shooting a phenomenal 51.1% from the field and 52.8% from three. Derrick Jones Jr has been a pleasant surprise for the Mavericks, as he's averaging 10.2 points per game off the bench.
Luka Doncic has been doing Luka Doncic things so far this season. Doncic has already recorded games of 49 and 35 points. He's also averaging 33.8 points per game, which leads the league in that category, along with 10.4 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. Doncic is going to be a tough test for the Hornets, who have already struggled defensively this season. The Hornets have given up over 110 points in all five of their matchups this season.
KEY MATCHUP: Mark Williams vs Derrick Lively II
Both players attended Duke University and have been standouts early on in their careers at the center position. Derrick Lively II is a rookie, who is already starting for the Dallas Mavericks. Lively has had some nice bursts already this season. Lively is averaging 7.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Mark Williams is coming off of his biggest game as a Hornet in last night's win over the Pacers. Williams recorded 27 points, which is a career-high, along with 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. He also did this while shooting an impressive 9-9 from the free-throw line. Williams is averaging 13.8 points, along with 7.6 rebounds per game.
It should be a super entertaining and fun matchup between these two Duke Devils for their respective teams.
| Position | Charlotte Hornets | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
Point Guard | LaMelo Ball | Kyrie Irving |
Shooting Guard | Brandon Miller | Luka Doncic |
Small Forward | Gordon Hayward | Derrick Jones |
Power Forward | PJ Washington | Grant Williams |
Center | Mark Williams | Derek Lively |
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