Swarm and Sting
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Donning their new throwback jerseys, the Charlotte Hornets look to topple the Cavs

By Elijah Edwards

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 24: Marvin Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets plays defense during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 24, 2017 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 24: Marvin Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets plays defense during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 24, 2017 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After a troubling road stint, the Hornets return home to face the similarly struggling Cavaliers. With some new (old) jerseys and the return of a familiar face, can the Hornets finally defeat the Cavs?

One of the oldest sayings in sports is, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.” It’s true. The NBA season is a long one and numerous teams have started cold and finished hot. Still, the Charlotte Hornets (5-7) have had some troubling games of late. Losers of their last four, there is certainly reason for concern. The return of Nicolas Batum should make the going easier, but they’ll still have their hands full when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers (7-7) roll into town.

Having lost their last six against the Cavaliers, I think it’s safe to say that the Hornets are due for a win against Lebron and company. Although they’ve won their last two, the Cavs have struggled at times this year. Without Isaiah Thomas, Tristan Thompson, and possibly Derrick Rose, this may be the best chance the Hornets have to break that losing streak.

The Hornets are coming off an 87-90 loss to the Celtics in Boston. They are 12th in the East. The Cavaliers are fresh off a 104-101 win against the Knicks in New York. They rest at 9th in the East.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers

8:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Spectrum Center

Broadcast on ESPN

Injury Report:

CHA:

Treveon Graham – Thigh (Questionable)

Julyan Stone – Hamstring (Out)

CLE:

Derrick Rose – Ankle – (Questionable

Isaiah Thomas – Hip (Out)

Tristan Thompson – Calf (Out)

Things to keep an eye on:

It’s throwback night, so we’ll finally be able to see the Hornets in their iconic pinstripes. It’s also the first of three games Charlotte will play on ESPN this year. Nic Batum returns and will start, but will have limited minutes. It’ll be interesting seeing them work him back into the flow of the offense. Also, expect LeBron to be LeBron.

Keys to the game:

Here’s an interesting stat: Charlotte is dead last in the NBA in steals per game with 5.8 a contest. Just ahead of them is Cleveland with 6.6. They key here is that Charlotte also commits the fewest turnovers in the league. If the Hornets can avoid sloppy play, then that will keep the ball out of LeBron’s hands. The Hornets also lead the league in total rebounds but are only 15th in offensive rebounds. For a team that is 22nd in the league in overall field goal percentage, that’s not going to cut it. Having second chance points is going to be important, so the Hornets will need to concentrate on the offensive glass.

Next: Should Hornets fans have tempered expectations?

It’s certainly not the time to press the panic button in Charlotte, but the Hornets need to right the ship fast. Here’s hoping the return of Batum and those slick new jerseys will help kickstart a winning streak.

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