Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets battle the Miami Heat in a road matchup

By Noah Elmore

CHARLOTTE, NC -JANUARY 20: Nicolas Batum
CHARLOTTE, NC -JANUARY 20: Nicolas Batum /
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The Charlotte Hornets look to avoid a season sweep tonight against the Miami Heat. Can they piece together a win on the second night of a back to back?

The Charlotte Hornets hit the road again after a long homestand, during which they went 3-2, losing in two close games to the Heat and Pelicans. It’ll be a rematch with the Miami Heat tonight who beat the Hornets in a soul-crushing way when they last met a week ago.

While the Hornets are 6-13 on the road so far this season, they are 6-4 in their last 10, as well as 6-3 in the division. Unfortunately, all three of those losses have come against Miami, the only truly formidable team in a weak Southeast Division. Miami is 6-4 in their last 10, but an impressive 19-11 at home. It’s likely to be another close game tonight between these rivals.

Injury Report

Charlotte will be without center Cody Zeller who is still recovering from a torn meniscus. Additionally, Michael Carter-Williams is questionable with a left shoulder strain. Should he miss time, either Malik Monk or Julyan Stone will take his minutes.

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Miami’s list of injuries is a bit longer. Rodney McGruder is still rehabbing a stress fracture, and Dion Waiters is out with his season-ending ankle injury. Udonis Haslem (personal) and Tyler Johnson (ankle) are both day-to-day, but Erik Spoelstra said “it’s going in the right direction” regarding Johnson’s availability. If both are healthy, they will likely see reduced minutes.

Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 • 7:30 PM ET
AmericanAirlines Arena • Miami, FL
Local: FSSE-CHA, FSSUN
Radio: 610 AM The Fan, 790 The Ticket / S: WAQI 710 AM

Keys to the Game

  • Stop the shooting guard: While Kemba Walker has done a decent job in containing Miami’s lead scorer Goran Dragic in his two games, they’ve been annihilated by the two guard. Whether it’s Josh Richardson, Dion Waiters, Tyler Johnson, or Wayne Ellington, Charlotte has been lit up by shooting guards in this season’s battles against the Heat. If Nicolas Batum can guard well tonight, things will go well for the Hornets.
  • Bench battle: Since the departure of Jeremy Lin, Charlotte’s bench has struggled. This season is no different. Their +/- is good for t-29th in the NBA at a -2.4. Meanwhile, on Miami’s bench, their 0.7 +/- is good for 10th in the league. The Hornets’ bench hasn’t been great at holding on this season, but a possible Malik Monk injection could save them.

Next: Rumor: Hornets tried to engage the Spurs in Kawhi trade

Despite a couple of recent disappointing losses in the clutch, Charlotte proved they could win close games Friday night against Atlanta. Hopefully, they can continue that brand of winning basketball in the second game of a back to back against Miami. If not, the rumors surrounding the desire to blow it up and arguments for change will only grow louder.

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