Hornets Aim for Their 11th Win Against Dillon Brooks and the Rockets

Friday night basketball in Charlotte.

Author:
Philip Trapp
Jan 26, 2024 9:20 AM EST

In this story:

Charlotte Hornets

Houston Rockets

INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS: Out: Gordon Hayward (calf), Mark Williams (back)

ROCKETS: Out: Victor Oladipo (knee), Tari Eason (leg) Questionable: Jae'Sean Tate (wrist) and Reggie Bullock (back)

GAME PREVIEW:

The Charlotte Hornets, after a disappointing loss in Detroit to the Pistons on Wednesday, aim to log their 11th win of the 2023-24 season tonight at home in Spectrum Center. According to the Hornets' injury report, the only health issues for Charlotte currently are the prolonged injuries of Gordon Hayward and Mark Williams — everyone else is apparently available tonight.

Will Charlotte have what it takes against Houston?

Star guard LaMelo Ball will lead Charlotte's charge against the Rockets squad that includes forward Dillon Brooks, the former Memphis Grizzlies threat, and guard Fred VanVleet, also in his first year with Houston after coming from the Toronto Raptors. While the Hornets narrowly lost to the Pistons on Wednesday, the Rockets were losing to the Trail Blazers at home in a nearly-as-narrow 137-131 contest.

But none of that matters tonight. What matters now is if Melo and co. can muster up the hustle to stay on top of Houston for the best of four quarters. The last time Charlotte played Houston, on Nov. 1 of last year, the Hornets lost 128-119 after an opening quarter that saw the Rockets outscore them by 12 points in the first 12 minutes. The Hornets tried to keep up, but there was no coming back.

KEY MATCHUP: LaMelo Ball vs Fred VanVleet

Keep your eyes on the teams' benchmark point guards as both battle for supremacy down the stretch tonight. Melo's currently averaging 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 43.5. VanVleet is averaging 17.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists, FG% 40.8.