Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets Look to Snap Three-Game Losing Streak Against the Surging Wizards

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 23, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks to pass as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Wizards win 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks to pass as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Wizards win 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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After dropping their last three games, the Charlotte Hornets attempt to turn things around as they return home to host the Washington Wizards.

The Charlotte Hornets (29-39) are set to take on the Washington Wizards (42-26) as they look to put an end to their three-game losing streak. They are coming off of their lowest scoring performance this season in a blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers. Fortunately for the home team, Nicolas Batum is set to return after a scary migraine injury that kept him out of the last two games.

In their last outing, the Wizards were able to defeat the Chicago Bulls and snap a two-game skid. Before that two-game losing streak, Washington had won five straight. This team is surging at the moment as they are 7-3 in their last ten and 26-8 in their last 34 in total.

Last time these two sides met, the Hornets fell to the Wizards, 109-99 in Washington. Charlotte also lost their only previous matchup in the Queen City as they are 0-2 against Scott Brook’s team so far this season. Steve Clifford’s side has now lost three consecutive games to the Wizards dating back to last season.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards

7:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, March 18th, 2017

Spectrum Center

Broadcast on FOX Sports Southeast

Injury Report:

CHA:

OUT – Ramon Sessions (left knee surgery), missed last 18 games (2/4 – 3/15)
OUT – Miles Plumlee (right calf strain), missed last 13 games (2/15 – 3/15)
OUT – Johnny O’Bryant (right ankle sprain), missed last four games (3/10 – 3/15)

WAS:

None.

Biggest Story:

Limiting Live Ball Turnovers

Under Coach Clifford, the Hornets are known for their ability to take care of the ball. That hasn’t changed this season as they are tied for the second-fewest turnovers per game with only 11.9. Even with that low number, Charlotte must keep the turnovers they do have to dead ball ones and not live ball ones.

That is because the Wizards rank second in the league in steals with 8.5 per game. Creating those live ball turnovers leads to fast break opportunities for Washington and easy buckets. The fewer they have, the better chance the home team has in this one.

Matchup to Watch:

Kemba Walker vs John Wall

This will be a very intriguing matchup between two all-star point guards. Both Walker and Wall were named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team and both were deserving of that honor. Since the break, neither has slowed down a bit with each of them putting up some of the best numbers of their career in the second half of the season.

Next: Weber to Close Out Season as Backup PG

Kemba’s averaging 24.9 PPG, 5.7 APG and 4.0 RPG while John is putting up 23.9 PPG, 11.9 APG and 3.9 RPG post all-star break. Not only are they leading their respective teams but how well they play in this one will surely dictate the outcome.

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