Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets vs Bucks preview, MCW close to return
Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
Kemba Walker is on pace to break Dell Curry‘s franchise record for three-pointer’s made this season. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we preview the Charlotte Hornets‘ matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, Michael Carter-Williams‘ potential return and how injuries have hurt the team early in the season.
Hornets vs Bucks preview (RealSport101.com)
"Kemba has continued his All Star form from last season for the Hornets, who are 4-3 and coming off an impressive win over Memphis. The Bucks are also 4-3 for the season but are coming into this game without the luxury of rest. The Bucks are tired while Giannis’ shoulders are probably sore from carrying his team. Hornets win comfortably, 98-90."
Charlotte failed to contain The Greek Freak last time these two teams met as he went off with 32 points and 14 rebounds to lead Milwaukee to a 103-94 win at home on October 23rd. Since their first affair, the Hornets have gone 3-1 with two wins against top teams in Orlando and Memphis while Milwaukee has dropped two of their last three.
Milwaukee should be on tired legs as this will not only be the second night of a back to back for them but it will also be their third game in four nights. Slowing down Giannis Antetokounmpo should be Steve Clifford’s main concern in this one. Although it will be difficult to slow down the early MVP frontrunner, having Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who missed their first meeting, back in the lineup should help.
MCW close to returning after scrimmage (Twitter)
"Based on what Steve Clifford said, I wouldn’t say it’s likely Michael Carter-Williams will play on the 4-game road trip."
The Hornets have recalled Carter-Williams from the Greensboro Swarm less than 24 hours after assigning him to their G-League affiliate. Michael, who was on a rehab assignment, reportedly played in a scrimmage with the team to test his knees. While a specific timetable or date of return wasn’t given, this is yet another step in the right direction.
Charlotte’s been without a true backup point guard for most of the season as MCW and Julyan Stone have been out. It’s been about three and a half months since Carter-Williams underwent his offseason knee procedure in mid-July. Hopefully, he can return soon and the rehab process doesn’t linger too much longer.
Charlotte decimated by injuries (BleacherReport.com)
"Batum was originally supposed to miss somewhere between six and 12 weeks, and his absence dragging on a while longer will force him to accrue more lost value. Zeller, meanwhile, has already returned to the lineup after his four-game absence."
Next: Hornets pick up fourth-year option on Kaminsky
The team’s been hit with multiple injuries to star the 2017-18 season as MKG, MCW, Nic Batum, Cody Zeller, Julyan Stone and Treveon Graham have all missed time. Although most have returned, Nicolas still hasn’t and a lot of Charlotte’s potential success this year will depend on how well he recovers. When and if the Hornets do get healthy this season, they should have a fairly deep and strong roster that could compete in the East.