Game Preview: Wizards at Hornets

Wizards come to down for a divisional matchup

Injury Report

Hornets: OUT: Terry Rozier (Groin), James Bouknight (Knee), Cody Martin (Knee), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia), Nick Richards (Concussion)

Wizards: OUT: Delon Wright (Knee)

Game Preview: The Hornets are coming off their biggest win of the season on Monday night against Boston, and Washington coming to town gives Charlotte a chance to stack another W.

Washington has struggled this season. Their 2-11 record is the second worst in the league. Jordan Poole has struggled to make a significant impact in a starring role, and the lack of talent in Washington has resulted in a lack of on-court success.

However, one of the Wizards two wins was against the Hornets, and this isn't a game Charlotte can look past. If the franchise is serious about bringing playoff basketball back to Buzz City, the Hornets need to handle inferior opponents and take home a much-needed win before the schedule becomes more difficult. 

Unrelated: Take the over on anything Brandon Miller related tonight. The rookie turns 21 today!

Key Matchup: LaMelo Ball vs. Tyus Jones

Ball is playing the best basketball of his young career.

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

Tyus Jones doesn't bring the staunchest of challenges, and Ball should continue to see success against a porous Wizards defense. The Washington defense ranks 27th in the league according to defensive rating (ignoring the fact that Charlotte is 30th for this exercise). Ball took a few games to find his footing, but he's performed as one of the best guards in the Eastern Conference since he fully regained confidence in his healed ankle. Look for Ball to put on a show against Washington. 

	Hornets	Wizards
Point Guard	LaMelo Ball	Tyus Jones
Shooting Guard	Brandon Miller	Jordan Poole
Small Forward	Gordon Hayward	Deni Avdija
Power Forward	Miles Bridges	Kyle Kuzma
Center	Mark Williams	Daniel Gafford

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