Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets Look to Start the Season Off Right Against the Milwaukee Bucks

By Elijah Edwards

MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 22: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks works against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during a game at the Bradley Center on December 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 22: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks works against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during a game at the Bradley Center on December 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The 2018-2019 NBA season is finally upon us. Can the Charlotte Hornets hit the ground running with a win against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks?

Fall is finally here. The leaves are turning, temperatures are dropping, and Halloween is just around the corner. Fall also signals the return of NBA basketball and Charlotte Hornets (36-46 last season) fans couldn’t be more excited… at least this one is. The team has undergone many changes this past offseason and the Queen City is eager to see if those changes bear fruit.

The Hornets will face their first test against the Milwaukee Bucks (44-38 last season). The two teams split the season series 2-2 last year. Each contest was fairly close, with all four games decided by an average of 6 points per game. In fact, the all-time regular season series between these two teams is actually tied at 54 games apiece. Interesting stat, to say the least.

Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets
7:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, October 17th, 2018
Spectrum Center
Fox Sports Southeast

Injury Report:

CHA:

None

MIL:

Trevon Duval – Eye (Game-time decision)

Thon Maker – Knee (Game-time decision)

D.J. Wilson – Hamstring (Game-time decision)

Things to keep an eye on:

The preseason is over and coach Borrego has had plenty of film to look at in regards to lineups and minutes. How many minutes will Miles Bridges play? Will Malik Monk see a decent amount of time on the court? Although it is the preseason and thus, a small sample size, the Bucks did lead the league in scoring at 124.8 points per game. They also led the league in rebounds per game with 53.5 a contest. I don’t expect that to be exactly mirrored in the regular season, but the Bucks are a dangerous team with plenty of talent. Not to mention that with Dwight Howard gone, the Hornets lack that edge on the glass. It’ll be interesting to see how Charlotte adjusts.

Next. 5 Important Questions for the Hornets This Season. dark

Keys to the game:

Obviously, keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo in check is key, but last year, Khris Middleton averaged 30.5 points against the Hornets. It’s easy to overlook him, but he can be deadly if left unchecked. Although they don’t have the rebounding prowess they had last year, the Hornets will need to find a way to attack the glass and limit second-chance shots. James Borrego’s desire to run an up-tempo offense could help stymie the Bucks’ defense, but the Hornets will need to be efficient in order for it to work. Sound passing and quick possessions could mitigate what the Bucks’ star players can offer.

Charlotte can win this game. In fact, the last two times they’ve opened the season against Milwaukee, they’ve come away with victories. If they play within themselves and stick to coach Borrego’s gameplan, they could have three straight against the Bucks in season openers. We’ll see if they can get it done Wednesday night in the Spectrum Center.

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