Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets Host the New Look New Orleans Pelicans

By Jerry Stephens

Nov 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) looks to pass while defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) looks to pass while defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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On the second night of a back to back, the Charlotte Hornets will face off against Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and the new look Pelicans’ team.

The Charlotte Hornets (29-36) are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (25-40) as they continue their quest for a late playoff push. Kemba Walker and company will host Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and the new look Pelicans for the first time since that blockbuster trade was made. After a blowout victory over the Indiana Pacers, the Hornets will look to make it two consecutive wins on the second night of a back to back.

In their last outing, the Pelicans fell to the Toronto Raptors, 94-87 at home. That was their second straight loss as they are only 4-6 in their last 10 games in total. They are only 10-22 away from home so far this season while Charlotte’s 18-13 in the Queen City.

This will be the second and final meeting between the two sides this year as New Orleans was won in overtime in their last matchup. The Hornets will look to avenge that disappointing loss as they attempt to split the season series for the third straight year.

More from Swarm and Sting

Charlotte Hornets vs New Orleans Pelicans

7:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, March 11, 2017

Spectrum Center

Broadcast on FOX Sports Southeast

Injury Report:

CHA:

TBD

NOP:

Omer Asik (illness) OUT
Cheick Diallo (NBA D-League Assignment) OUT
Quincy Pondexter (left knee) OUT
Anthony Davis (right wrist contusion) is TBA.

Biggest Story:

Fight for the Name

There is a lot of history between these two franchises as the original Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2002. The Queen City was without a professional basketball team until the Bobcats were formed as an expansion team for the 2004-05 season. Eventually, New Orleans changed their name to the Pelicans in 2013.

That led the Bobcats to change their name back to the Hornets in 2014. While this isn’t necessarily a rivalry, there is an immense amount of history regarding their names and the origins of the Pelicans. With the Hornets name back in Charlotte where it belongs, things can continue to move forward for both franchises but there is still that underlying battle.

Matchup to Watch:

Marvin Williams/Cody Zeller vs Anthony Davis/DeMarcus Cousins

The Hornets’ frontline will be tasked with defending two of the best big men in the league today. AD and DMC are both averaging over 27 points per game and 10 rebounds per game so far this season. It won’t be easy to contain both of them but Charlotte can limit the damage from at least one of from their supporting cast, they will have a better chance at winning in this one.

Next: Rumor: Orlando Wanted Marvin Williams in Free Agency

While Davis and Cousins combine to average more than 50 points and 20 rebounds a game, Zeller and Williams only combine to average about 21 points and 12 boards. It isn’t necessarily a fair fight but both Marvin and Cody are underrated defenders so as long as they can slow down the Pelicans’ two star bigs, Charlotte should be solid.

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