Hornets End Road Trip In Milwaukee

Preview for Hornets (15-42) @ Bucks (37-21)

Author:
Pat Fitzsimmons
Feb 27, 2024 10:24 AM EST

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Injury Report

Hornets: OUT Mark Williams (back), LaMelo Ball (ankle) Probable: Seth Curry (hip soreness), Questionable Davis Bertans (knee)

Bucks: OUT Khris Middleton (ankle) Probable: Giannis Anetetokounmpo (knee)

Game Preview

The Hornets end their four-game road trip in Milwaukee, taking on the Bucks for the third time this season. The Hornets are 2-1 post-All-Star break, whereas the Bucks are 2-0 with both wins coming on the road against playoff teams, Philly, and Minnesota. In the two previous meetings against the Bucks, the Hornets lost by 36 and 31, but have yet to match up with them since the five additions joined the Hornets at the trade deadline.

The Bucks' offense has no problem scoring as they are second in the league, averaging 121.8 points per game, but their defense has been inconsistent this year, ranking 24th in opponents points per game (118.3). The Hornets on the other hand, are ranked 28th in points per game (108.1), but have been one of the best defensive teams since the All-Star break. Charlotte will have a tough task tonight slowing down this high-scoring Bucks team.

Key Matchup: Damian Lillard vs Tre Mann/Cody Martin

The former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo may seem like the obvious player to target, and while he is certainly a priority to contain, in the Bucks two 30-point wins this year against the Hornets he only averaged 15.5 points, showing they don't need him to be Superman to beat the Hornets. Damian Lillard has averaged 26.5, shooting 50% from the field in the two games against Charlotte, and coming off an All-Star MVP performance, could be the primary scorer for the Bucks while Antetokounmpo is playing through some knee soreness. I suspect Tre Mann and Cody Martin will be the ones matched up with Lillard throughout the night, and will have their hands full.

Projected Starting Fives