Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks Game Preview
The Hornets are back home on Sunday for a second-straight game against the Mavericks. Charlotte (24-51) slowed the Dallas (36-38) playoff push when the two teams met on Friday, leaving Luka Doncic and company tied for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington combined for 53 points to lead Charlotte to the victory last time out, but the true difference maker in the game was the Hornets holding Dallas to just 9-36 (25%) from 3-point range, while the Hornets shot 11-28 (39.3%) themselves. With the likes of Doncic, Irving, and youngster Josh Green being some of the best shooters in the NBA, it will likely be imperative once again that the Hornets focus in on this area to sweep the season series.
While Dallas is currently tied for the last play-in spot in the Western Conference, the race is so close that they are just three games out of the fourth seed Suns (39-35), so Dallas will surely be fighting for everything they can in this one.
What to Watch for:
The Hornets found their most success on Friday when Nick Richards was matched up against Maxi Kleber, who's -16 plus-minus was the worst in the game. Look for the Mavericks to find a way to activate Christian Wood more in the game, and it will be up to the Hornets to find the matchup. be in Richards, Williams, or Washington, that counters this change.
2022-23 Team Leaders:
Minutes: Kyrie Irving - 37.6 (DAL), Terry Rozier - 35.3 (CHA)
FG%: Dwight Powell - 73.0% (DAL), Mark Williams - 64.2% (CHA)
3FG%: Josh Green - 40.8% (DAL), Svi Mykhailiuk - 47.1% (CHA)
PPG: Luka Doncic - 32.9 (DAL), Terry Rozier - 21.1 (CHA)
RPG: Luka Doncic - 8.6 (DAL), Mark Williams - 6.4 (CHA)
APG: Luka Doncic - 8.2 (DAL), Terry Rozier - 5.1 (CHA)
SPG: Luka Doncic - 1.4 (DAL), Dennis Smith Jr. - 1.4 (CHA)
BPG: Christian Wood - 1.1 (DAL) , Mark Williams - 1.1 (CHA)
Stat key: PPG - points per game | RPG - rebounds per game | APG - assists per game | SPG - steals per game | BPG- blocks per game
Mavericks roster
PG: Luka Doncic, Frank Ntilikina, McKinley Wright IV
SG: Kyrie Irving, Jaden Hardy, Justin Holiday
SF: Reggie Bullock, Tim Hardaway Jr. (DTD), Theo Pinson
PF: Maxi Kleber, Josh Green, Davis Bertens, Markieff Morris
C: Dwight Powell, Christian Wood, Javale McGee
Head coach: Jason Kidd
Hornets roster
PG: Terry Rozier, Dennis Smith Jr., Theo Maledon, James Bouknight
SG: Kelly Oubre Jr., Bryce McGowens,
SF: Gordon Hayward, Cody Martin, Svi Mykhailiuk
PF: P.J. Washington, JT Thor, Kai Jones
C: Mark Williams, Nick Richards
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