Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks Game Preview

Hornets look to rebound after suffering third loss in a row.

INJURY REPORT:

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

KNICKS: OUT: Quentin Grimes (Hand)

GAME PREVIEW: The Hornets and Knicks are on the second night of a back-to-back. The Hornets suffered a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks last night, while the Knicks dominated in a win over the Wizards. The Hornets are off to a frustrating record of 3-8 and can't afford to keep dropping games, so this will be an important one. 

These two teams faced off just this past Sunday, which resulted in a 22 point loss for the Hornets. Brandon Miller got injured early in the first quarter in that game, but Miller is now back available for the Hornets. He had 12 points in the short stint he played in the first quarter against the Knicks before his ankle injury.

The Hornets will also have Miles Bridges available for just the second time this season as he's served his suspension. Bridges scored 17 points in his return game off the bench last night vs Milwaukee. Bridges has recorded 24 or more points in four out of the last five times he's matched up against the Knicks previously. 

LaMelo Ball has been on an absolute tear over his last six games. In those six games, LaMelo is averaging 31.0 points per game, along with 8.0 assists and 6.3 rebounds on 48.6% shooting from the field and 40.0% from three. The Hornets are going to have to have someone help LaMelo Ball or these performances will keep going to waste. 

The Knicks have a record of 7-5 and have won five out of their last six games. The Knicks have been led by Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett. Jalen Brunson is averaging 23.5 points per game, along with 3.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists on a rocketing 47.5% from three. RJ Barrett has had his best year yet in the NBA, as he's averaging 22.6 points per game, along with 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while shooting an impressive 48.7% from the field and 50.0% from three. 

RJ Barrett is dealing with a illness, labeled as a migraine, so that will be something to monitor if he does in fact play or if he's ruled out of tonight's contest. 

KEY MATCHUP: Mark Williams vs Mitchell Robinson: 

This will be an important matchup all night long. On Sunday, Mark Williams recorded just 10 points and only two rebounds. It's hard to win a game when your starting center records just two rebounds. If the Hornets want any chance in this game, then Mark Williams is going to have to win this matchup over Mitchell Robinson. Especially, since it's likely Nick Richards won't be playing as he dealt with concussion like symptoms during last night's game. Mark Williams has struggled this season with the more physical centers. 

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