Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks: 5 Questions With a Hornets Expert

Engaged in their first winning streak of the 2023-24 season, the New York Knicks (4-4) will take on the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden (12 p.m. ET, MSG). Sunday's game will be the first of three November matchups between the Knicks and Hornets, with another coming on Saturday in Charlotte.

In anticipation of Sunday's matinee, we spoke with All Hornets contributor James Plowright.

Q: How has Hornets rookie Brandon Miller looked to start the season?

JP: Miller started the year well, shooting efficiently from outside and looking comfortable on both ends. The scout on him is out now and he’s struggled in recent outings with his scoring but his high basketball IQ and defense have shone through. With Terry Rozier’s injury, Miller has found himself in the starting unit playing against starting-caliber players where he has struggled with foul trouble.

Q: If the Hornets win Sunday, what would be the reason why?

JP: If the Hornets shoot the three well and don’t turn the ball over. So far this year, Charlotte has had a torrid start as a three-point shooting team, struggling to generate attempts and, even when they do, shooting inefficiently. The Hornets have also struggled to win when being a high turnover team. If they can overcome those two obstacles, they have a chance to force the upset.

Q: What’s one thing people should know about the Hornets that they couldn’t find in a box score?

JP: The Hornets are one of the top teams in the league at scoring in the paint. Center combination Nick Richards and Mark Williams have been a handful in the interior, especially with their offensive rebounding.

Q: What's a matchup that you are looking forward to seeing?

JP: I expect Brandon Miller to start guarding Jalen Brunson. I’m interested to see how Miller, who lacks strength and can be foul-prone, defends the strong, crafty Brunson.

Q: What's your prediction for Sunday's game?

JP: The Hornets have not played well this year, their 3-5 record flatters them considering they have played the league’s easiest schedule so far. I expect the physicality and depth of the Knicks to be too much for a laboring Hornets team.