Why The Wizards Need To Lock Down LaMelo Ball Tonight

Tonight, the Washington Wizards will take on a team that is interested in acquiring Jordan Poole, the Charlotte Hornets. This game is a game the Wizards perhaps had circled on their calendars as a victory. However, no win is easy for this Wizards team thus far this season. Nonetheless, the Wizards need to win this game to climb up from the hole they are in within the Eastern Conference Standings. It all happens tonight at 7PM ET in Charlotte, North Carolina.

First Potential Jordan Poole Suitor Revealed

How to Watch Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets today:

Game Date: November 22, 2023

Game Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

TV: Monumental Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Stream: Youtube TV

From: Spectrum Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina

Projected Starters

Washington Wizards:

Guards: Jordan Poole, Tyus Jones

Forwards: Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija

Center: Daniel Gafford

Charlotte Hornets:

Guards: LaMelo Ball, Bryce McGowens

Forwards: Gordon Hayward , Miles Bridges

Center: Mark Williams

Injury Report

Washington Wizards:

Delon Wright: OUT (Knee) Latest reports have Wright out 4-6 weeks with this knee injury)

Charlotte Hornets:

Terry Rozier: OUT (Groin)

Nick Richards: OUT (Concussion)

LaMelo Ball over his last 8 games:

36 PTS - 9 REB - 8 AST
34 PTS - 5 REB - 9 AST
37 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST
28 PTS - 6 REB - 11 AST
32 PTS - 7 REB - 6 AST
25 PTS - 6 REB - 6 AST
34 PTS - 4 REB - 7 AST
30 PTS - 10 REB - 13 AST

Young superstar 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zogc3cej14
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 21, 2023

The Bottom Line

Tonight, the Wizards will have their hands full trying to defend Lamelo Ball. He is looking like he has entered into his prime already. The bottom line is this: He is just getting started. The man is only 22 years old and has missed a lot of games over the last couple of seasons. Now that he is healthy, he looks like the player we all expected him to be. He is so skilled and crafty, defending him makes it a tough task. Additionally, he has great size standing tall at 6’7. Having another average size point guard defend him makes it a challenge.

This game will come down to coaching. This game is on Wes Unseld Jr. He has to get creative with his rotations. Bilal Coulibaly “should” spend a lot of time defending Lamelo. In fact, he actually should start this game. With Terry Rozier out, the Hornets are relying on Ball tremendously. The bottom line is this - if the Wizards can slow Lamelo down and contain Mark Williams, they should win this game.