Ice Cold Hornets Take On The Miami Heat
INJURY REPORT:
HORNETS: QUESTIONABLE- Cody Martin (Groin), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia) DOUBTFUL - PJ Washington (Knee), Brandon Miller (Lower Back) OUT - Mark Williams (Back), Gordon Hayward (Calf)
HEAT: DOUBTFUL - Jimmy Butler (R Toe Sprain) QUESTIONABLE - Tyler Herro (R Shoulder Strain), Kevin Love (L Knee Contusion) PROBABLE - Kyle Lowry (L Hand Sprain)
GAME PREVIEW:
The Hornets enter Sunday's match-up losing 15 of their past 16 games, including losing their two previous outings against Sacramento and San Antonio by a combined 61 points. Charlotte's injury situation continues to be a game of "Whack-a-mole" with LaMelo Ball returning last game only for Miller to leave with a hip injury. If Martin and Ntilikina are able to play, that should at least give Charlotte's defense a much needed boost.
The Heat haven't been a perfect picture of health either, rankings as the 4th most injured team in the NBA per Spotrac's injury track, Charlotte rank 2nd behind Memphis. Despite a changing lineup the "Zombie" Heat have battled their way to an impressive 22-16 record, rewarding head coach Erik Spoelstra with an eight year $120 million contract extension.
Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez has caught the eye this season, playing with remarkable poise and consistency averaging 14pts 4reb 3ast on 51% from the field and 35% from three. For Charlotte, the return of LaMelo Ball wasn't enough to inspire a better performance against San Antonio. All eyes will be on how comfortable Ball looks after previously taking some time to reach his performance level following injury
KEY MATCH-UP: Nick Richards vs Bam Adebayo
Charlotte need a big performance from Nick Richards who is coming off a down game against Victor Wembanyama. Expect the Heat offense to run through Adebayo with Butler out, Richards will need to be locked into Miami's dribble hand-off action. One of the Heat's weaknesses is their lack of size, especially with Kevin Love potentially out injured. Richards needs to take advantage on the offensive glass and limiting second chance possessions for Miami.
