Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game Preview
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Injury Report
Charlotte Hornets - Out: LaMelo Ball (Ankle), Cody Martin (Knee), Terry Rozier (Foot) Doubtful: Gordon Hayward (Thumb Sprain) Questionable: Kelly Oubre (Shoulder Strain)
Oklahoma City Thunder- Out: Lindy Waters (foot), Kenrich Williams (Wrist), Chet Holmgren (Foot)
Game Preview
The Hornets take on Oklahoma City on Tuesday at a tip-off time of 8:00 PM EST. This will be the second time the Hornets will face the Thunder this season. The Hornets lost their first matchup, 121-113.
The Thunder currently are in 10th place in the Western Conference and if the season ended today they would make the Play-In Tournament and would face the Los Angeles Lakers. They desperately need to win games to keep their playoff hopes alive as they have the lowest seed. The Hornets, on the other hand, have been eliminated from playoffs contention and are locked into the fourth-best odds for the lottery. However, that has not stopped their drive to compete as they have won three of the last five games.
Key Matchup: PJ Washington vs Jalen Williams
Due to the new injuries that have popped up, there are not a lot of key matchups to keep an eye on. However, with PJ Washington being on fire lately for the Hornets and Williams having a solid rookie season it will be very intriguing to see both matchup against each other.
Washington has been the best offensive player on the Hornets since LaMelo went down with injury. He has been red hot for multiple games and is often labeled by many as the player of the game.
Jalen Williams is the best rookie on the Thunder and impressed throughout the season with his defense. Especially with how he has created turnovers, blocked shots, and rebounded the basketball. Williams is not the greatest on offense, but his impact is shown by how he creates opportunities and his assists throughout the season.
It would be a big test for Williams facing against a player who is currently on a hot streak like Washington has been.
Predicted Starting Five
| Position | Oklahoma City Thunder | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
PG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Dennis Smith Jr. |
SG | Josh Giddey | Svi Mykhailiuk |
PF | Luguentz Dort | Kelly Oubre Jr. |
SF | Jalen Williams | P.J. Washington |
C | Jaylin Williams | Nick Richards |
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