San Antonio Spurs vs Charlotte Hornets Game Preview

Can the Spurs avoid a franchise record 14 game losing streak?

INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS: OUT Kelly Oubre Jr (Hand), Cody Martin (L Knee Soreness), DOUBTFUL: Kai Jones (Ankle)

SPURS: OUT - Isaiah Roby (Ankle Sprain), Devin Vassell (Knee), Tre Jones (foot), Khem Birch (Ineligible), Romeo Langford (OUT - hip), QUESTIONABLE: Doug McDermott (Achilles) 

GAME PREVIEW: Keldon Johnson vs Gordon Hayward

The Charlotte Hornets take on the San Antonio Spurs tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST at Spectrum Center.

Despite being a mid-February game between two of the worst teams in the NBA, Wednesday night has significance for San Antonio. If the Spurs lose to Charlotte, they set a new 14 game record for the longest ever losing streak in Franchise history. You can bet the Spurs players and staff will be aware and have that up as bulletin board material for motivation. The bad news for San Antonio is this team has a lengthy absentee list and is on the 6th of a 9 game road trip due to their annual Rodeo event hosted at the AT&T center. 

Charlotte on the other hand are coming off a good win against the Atlanta Hawks who they have inexplicably beaten 3 out of 4 times this year. Despite losing 7 of their last 8, it does feel like the Hornets have been playing better recently (A low bar, I know). Charlotte have pushed Denver, Boston and Washington in recent contests before giving up late runs in the 2nd half. 

For the tank commanders among you hoping for a Hornets L to help those lottery odds, you could be in for a tough watch. Over the last 2 weeks the Spurs have a -13.3 point differential and rank 30th ranked in offense scoring just 106.4 points per 100 possessions. Charlotte's veteran lineup is more balanced and skilled, if they play as to the level they have done recently they should be well positioned to go into the All-Star break with a win. 

KEY MATCHUP: Keldon Johnson vs Gordon Hayward

Due to Tre Jones' recent injury the Spurs have experimented with Small Forward Keldon Johnson taking on some of the point guard duties. Although being over matched to be a lead ball handler, we've seen examples like Oladipo in Orlando where it has benefited player development down the road. For Charlotte, it's a tricky match-up as Rozier nor LaMelo are good match-ups for Johnson. Hayward might be this team's best chance due to his defensive awareness and strength to try and bottle up Johnson who thrives attacking the paint. 

 

	San Antonio Spurs	Charlotte Hornets
Point Guard	Keldon Johnson	LaMelo Ball
Shooting Guard	Malaki Branham	Terry Rozier
Small Forward	Keita Bates-Diop	Gordon Hayward
Power Forward	Jeremy Sochan	PJ Washington
Center	Zach Collins	Mark Williams

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