Hornets Attempt to Win Season Series Against the Wizards

Charlotte travels to Washington for one and done road trip

Author:
Albert Böttcher
Mar 8, 2024 10:10 AM EST

In this story:

Charlotte Hornets

Injury Report

𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘀: 𝗢𝘂𝘁 Curry (Ankle), Martin (Ankle) Ball (Ankle), Williams (Back) 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 Mann (Groin)

𝗪𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀: 𝗢𝗨𝗧 Bagley (Back), Livers (Hip), Baldwin Jr. (Back) 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 Shamet (Calf)

𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Both ballclubs have been having major problems on both ends of the floor recently. The Hornets have lost five in a row, sporting the worst net rating in the association during that time span (-15.9). Washington isn't far behind, slotting in at 28th place with a rating of -10.6, whilst being on a 16-game losing streak themselves. After Detroit's win over Brooklyn last night, the Wizards are now owners of the worst record in the league, winning just nine of their sixty-two contests.

In all fairness, the team from the Capitol wasn't projected to win many games heading into this season. After trading away Kristaps Porzingis and Bradley Beal, then-head coach Wes Unseld Jr. was left with a rebuilding squad. There have been some bright spots throughout the last few months, such as Deni Avdija, Tyus Jones, Corey Kispert, Jordan Poole and the newly acquired Marvin Bagley III all showing flashes of their talent.

Overall, Washington simply lacks consistent production on offense and defense. They're one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, shoot the deep-ball at just 35.1% and allow their opponents to score 124.6 points per game. Kyle Kuzma and Co. will try to play fast and capitalize off of turnovers, which is one of their few offensive strengths. If the Hornets don't get too sloppy with the Ball, chances are that they will add onto the Wizards losing streak.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵-𝗨𝗽: Jordan Poole vs Charlotte's Bench

Struggling for large parts of his tenure in Washington and even being relegated to the bench since late February, the former Golden State prospect has found his stride in the last week or so. Over the last four games he's averaging 27.0 points on 51.3% from the field, the most out of all bench players in the NBA. Steve Clifford's team has shown some defensive progress since the All-Star break. With growing injury concerns, the injury shortened bench will have to contain Poole's scoring.