Wizards at Hornets Game Preview
NJURY REPORT:
HORNETS: OUT: Terry Rozier (Groin), Miles Bridges (Suspension), James Bouknight (Knee), Cody Martin (Knee), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia)
WIZARDS: None
GAME PREVIEW: The Hornets are coming off of a loss to Dallas and a few days of much needed rest. A struggling Wizards team is the perfect medicine for a Hornets squad that has been up and down to start 2023.
Brandon Miller will get his second look in the starting lineup with Terry Rozier still on the mend with his groin injury. The rookie hasn't received as much buzz as his class counterparts Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, but the first-year swingman is playing really solid ball to start his career.
Washington has given up a minimum of 106 points in a game this season. Tonight should be a track meet in Charlotte. Look for LaMelo Ball to build upon his strongest game this season from Sunday. Ball notched his 10th career triple double on Sunday, and I wouldn't be super surprised if he walks off the court tonight with his 11th.
KEY MATCHUP: Gordon Hayward vs. Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma is the best offensive threat that the Wizards have (kudos to Jordan Poole, though). Hayward has been as steady as ever and he'll need to match the output that Kuzma has the potential to produce on the offensive end.
| Hornets | Wizards |
|---|---|
LaMelo Ball | Tyus Jones |
Brandon Miller | Jordan Poole |
Gordon Hayward | Kyle Kuzma |
PJ Washington | Deni Avdija |
Mark Williams | Daniel Gafford |
