Game Preview: Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls
Injury Report
Hornets: OUT LaMelo Ball (R ankle), Frank Ntilikina (L tibia), Mark Williams (Back), Gordan Hayward (Calf)
Bulls: OUT Lonzo Ball (Knee)
Game Preview
The Hornets (8-24) are on the road on Friday night to take on the Chicago Bulls (15-21) in what will be the first leg of back to back games against each other.
Both teams have had their share of injuries to key players lately, but both Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic are expected to be back in the lineup for the Bulls this evening.
Despite trade rumors whirling about Zach Lavine, coach Billy Donovan is likely excited to have his star wing back in the lineup. Chicago sits just half a game outside of a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference standings heading into the matchup. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Bulls will want Lavine as healthy and successful as possible for potential suitors to get their best look.
Charlotte will continue to fight to the best of their abilities will an injury-riddled roster. A 111-104 win against the Kings on Tuesday broke an 11-game losing streak, so the team will be looking to capitalize on that momentum against a potentially vulnerable Bulls lineup.
Key Matchup: Nick Richards vs Niokla Vucevic & Andre Drummond
The Hornets roster still has just a single true center with Mark Williams injured. Nick Richards will have his hands full tonight against two masters on the glass in Vucevic and Drummond.
Vucevic is top-10 in the league in rebounds per game, while Drummond had two games in December with 23+ rebounds with Vucevic injured.
If the Hornets are going to remain competitive this evening, it will begin on the glass. Richards won't be able to do it all on his own, but mitigating the damage the Chi-town towers do will provide opportunity for Charlotte's small lineup to pitch in on the glass.
When Richards isn't on the floor, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington are going to need to play up a weight class to keep things flowing.
Projected Starting Fives
| Position | Charlotte Hornets | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
PG | Terry Rozier | Coby White |
SG | Brandon Miller | Alex Caruso |
SF | Cody Martin | DeMar Derozan |
PF | Miles Bridges | Patrick Williams |
C | Nick Richards | Andre Drummon |
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