Charlotte Hornets vs New Orleans Pelicans Game Preview

The Hornets look to stop two-game losing slide.

Author:
Austin Leake
Dec 15, 2023 2:35 PM EST

In this story:

INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS: QUESTIONABLE: PJ Washington (Shoulder), DOUBTFUL - Mark Williams (Back), OUT: LAMELO BALL (ANKLE), Cody Martin (Knee), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia)

PELICANS: QUESTIONABLE: Zion Williamson (Ankle), OUT: Larry Nance Jr (Rib), Matt Ryan (Elbow)

GAME PREVIEW:

The Hornets have had a brutal start to the season with a record of 7-15 as they've battled injuries constantly and have yet to play a full game healthy. The Pelicans are starting to come alive as they now hold a 14-11 record, while winning five out of their last seven games.

The Hornets got swept by the Pelicans last season after previously sweeping them the year before. However, the Hornets are just 1-6 when facing the New Orleans at home since the start of the 2016-2017 season.

For the Hornets, Terry Rozier has been the biggest bright spot since LaMelo Ball went down with an ankle injury. Since Ball's injury, Rozier has averaged 25.6 points per game, along with 9.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds in the past seven games. The Hornets will need others to step up to help improve a 2-5 record during that stretch.

Gordon Hayward has also been finding himself again as of late after struggling to shoot the ball in the month of November. He is starting to play his best basketball of the season, averaging 21.2 points per game, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds, while shooting the ball at a high percentage of 59.8% from the field in his last six outings.

The Hornets could be without PJ Washington (shoulder) and Mark Williams (back), which is very detrimental. Not only are the Hornets already lacking size, but they're also shorthanded and both players are key to the Hornets' success. Not to mention, the Pelicans have a lot of size at the center and forward positions.

For the Pelicans, they're coming off of a 142-122 win over the Wizards where Brandon Ingram lit it up for 40 points. In the previous game, the Pelicans defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are tied for the best record in the NBA (18-5). Zion Williamson had his best game of the season with 36 points. Williamson, however, is questionable for tonight's matchup against the Hornets with an ankle injury.

KEY MATCHUP: Miles Bridges vs Brandon Ingram

This will be a key matchup to watch all night long. Brandon Ingram who is coming off of his best performance of the year will most likely be defended by Miles Bridges. Miles will have to do his best job defending Ingram, while also attacking and being aggressive offensively. The Hornets will need Bridges to play heavy minutes tonight as it's likely that PJ Washington and Mark Williams will be unavailable.

Starting Fives
Position	Hornets	Pelicans
Point Guard	Terry Rozier	CJ McCollum
Shooting Guard	Brandon Miller	Dyson Daniels
Small Forward	Gordon Hayward	Herb Jones
Power Forward	Miles Bridges	Brandon Ingram
Center	Nick Richards	Jonas Valanciunas