Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks Game Preview

Author:
James Plowright
Mar 24, 2023 9:00 AM EDT

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INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS - OUT: LaMelo Ball (Fractured R Ankle), Cody Martin (Knee), Mark Williams (Finger) UNKNOWN: Kelly Oubre (R Shoulder Sprain), Terry Rozier (L Foot Soreness), Dennis Smith Jr (Illness)

MAVERICKS - QUESTIONABLE: Tim Hardaway Jr (Non-Covid Ilness), Kyrie Irving (R Foot Soreness)

Game Preview

The Hornets travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks on Friday night at 8:30pm EST. Charlotte will be travelling to Dallas straight after their game against the Pelicans to play on the second night of a back to back. The Hornets are yet to play Dallas this season but went 2-1 last season, you might remember Luka's meme-able face after one of those wins.

However, any repeat of last years' success seems unlikely. Charlotte finished Thursday's game in New Orleans with just seven, yes SEVEN healthy players. Kelly Oubre and Terry Rozier both left the game and didn't return in the 1st quarter, then Dennis Smith Jr left and didn't return in the 3rd. The status for each of these players for tonight's game is unclear, but the odds are stacked against them making a remarkable recovery.

Charlotte's previous season low in points was 82 against the Sixers last week, that could be challenged in Dallas. Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington will likely see a sizable uptick in their usage and be leaned on heavily to generate offense.

KEY MATCHUP: Luka Doncic vs Gordon Hayward

With Hayward having more ball handling duties I expect he might also draw the defensive assignment on Doncic. Clifford has praised Hayward's this season, he's smart, strong, doesn't foul and communicates well. You don't need to be the most athletic or longest to guard Doncic as he beats you with craft and strength more than explosive, athletic drives to the rim.

Dallas will likely hide Doncic on Svi or Thor and put Bullock or Green on Hayward. I would expect a lot of doubles to come Gordon's way, Dallas will likely blitz him on pick and rolls to force Charlotte's supporting players to beat them. For Charlotte to have any chance, Hayward is going to have to dial it back to 2016-17 and put the Hornets on his back.

Predicted Starting Lineups
	Dallas Mavericks	Charlotte Hornets
Point Guard	Luka Doncic	Gordon Hayward
Shooting Guard	Josh Green	Svi Mykhailuk
Small Forward	Reggie Bullock	JT Thor
Power Forward	Maxi Kleber	PJ Washington
Center	Dwight Powell	Nick Richards