Game Preview: Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers

The Hornets look to snap their eight-game losing streak in LA.

Author:
Austin Leake
Dec 28, 2023 2:07 PM EST

In this story:

INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS: QUESTIONABLE - Brandon Miller (Ankle), DOUBTFUL - Mark Williams (Back), OUT - LaMelo Ball (Ankle), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia), Gordon Hayward (Calf)

LAKERS: PROBABLE - Jarred Vanderbilt (Heel), QUESTIONABLE - Cam Reddish (Groin), Lebron James (Knee), Anthony Davis (Ankle), OUT - Gabe Vincent (Knee)

GAME PREVIEW:

The Hornets look to put an end to an eight-game slide tonight when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hornets haven't lost more than nine in a row since the 2014 season where they dropped ten straight. The Lakers have struggled as of late as they've went just 2-6 in their last eight games after winning the NBA's In-Season Tournament. Both teams will be looking to get back on the winning side of things tonight.

For the Hornets, the injuries continue to add up. On Tuesday, in the third quarter versus the Clippers, Gordon Hayward went down with a calf injury. Brandon Miller, who sprained his ankle against the Nuggets is questionable for tonight's contest and Mark Williams will likely miss his ninth straight game. The Hornets are 0-8 this season when Mark Williams doesn't play. LaMelo Ball continues to make progress, but will miss yet another game tonight.

One of the encouraging signs for the Hornets was Cody Martin's performance versus the Clippers on Tuesday. Martin showed that he's still the player that the Hornets gave the contract to in the 2022 off-season by recording four steals and seven points, including a dunk right on top of Zubac.

Look for Terry Rozier to bust out of his shooting slump tonight. A couple nights ago, he went 8/23 from the field and 1/8 from three. He has averaged 24.8 points per game, along with 4.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting 52.1% from the field and 44.1% from three in his last four appearances against the Lakers.

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis has been playing out of his mind. In his last five games, he's averaging 29.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks, while shooting a blistering percentage of 55.8% from the field and 55.6% from three. Davis is questionable for the game with an ankle injury. The Lakers are 16-13 with Davis playing this season, but 0-2 when Davis is not in the lineup.

It's safe to say LeBron James has had his way when facing the Hornets in his career. Not only does LeBron hold a record of 35-2 (regular season/post-season) versus the Hornets since the 2010-2011 season, but he also has had some of his biggest performances of his career against Charlotte. In his last 33 games against the Hornets, James is averaging 29.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. The Hornets beat the Lakers 134-130 in Los Angeles on December 23rd last year and will be looking to dethrone the King once again tonight.

KEY MATCHUP: Nick Richards vs Anthony Davis

If Anthony Davis is good to go, then Nick Richards will have his hands full. Davis has been playing some of the best basketball of his career and can score in many different ways. He recorded 40 points in his last game on Christmas Day versus the Celtics. What the Hornets do defensively on him will be the difference in who wins this game and who loses this game. The Hornets could try going small with Bridges at the power forward position and PJ Washington at the center position, but that hasn't worked for the Hornets defensively, which means Nick Richards will have to do his best to stop Anthony Davis, also without getting into foul trouble.

Starting Fives
Position	Hornets	Lakers
Point Guard	Terry Rozier	Cam Reddish
Shooting Guard	Bryce McGowens	Taurean Prince
Small Forward	Miles Bridges	Lebron James
Power Forward	PJ Washington	Jarred Vanderbilt
Center	Nick Richards	Anthony Davis