Can the Hornets slow down the surging Nets? ESPN BPI does not like their chances

Persevering through all of the injuries will be a tall task for Charlotte.

Jan 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Charlotte Hornets (13-37) continue on the road on Monday, this time visiting Brooklyn for an Eastern Conference matchup against the Nets (18-34). This will be the third of four matchups between the teams this season, with both of the first two being won by the Nets. 

What the BPI says

According to the ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI) matchup predictor, the Hornets have just a 20.2% chance of coming away with a victory in tonight’s matchup. Considering Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, Josh Okogie, and Grant Williams, are all listed as OUT for tonight’s matchup, as well as LaMelo Ball, Moussa Diabate, Nick Smith Jr., Josh Green, and Jusuf Nurkic all with status in question, it is no surprise that this one looks to be in Brooklyn’s favor.

Charlotte's recent games

After a promising stretch in January, the Hornets roster is once again rife with injuries and oddities. This has led to a stretch where the Hornets have won just twice in their last eleven games. This difficult stretch includes a 104-83 loss to the Nets at home in game where Charlotte shot just 33.7% from the field.

Brooklyn's recent games

Brooklyn is the hottest they have been all season in the win column by winning four of their last five games- including three wins against teams currently seeded for the playoffs. 

The recent success has allowed the Nets to somehow go from a team that appeared to clearly be focused on the future rather than the now, to a team that is surprisingly only 3.5 games back from a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. Keon Johnson has been especially reliable during the recent five-game stretch, averaging 17.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.4 stocks per game.

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