After defeating the Toronto Raptors in dramatic fashion, the Charlotte Hornets briefly return home to face the San Antonio Spurs.
If you would have told me that the Charlotte Hornets (34-39) would have defeated the Toronto Raptors in Toronto, I’d have been a bit skeptical. If you told me they’d win after a half-court heave that somehow went in in the final seconds, I’d have called you crazy.
Yet, those things actually did happen Sunday evening in Toronto and Hornets fans are probably still in shock after that improbable shot by Jeremy Lamb fell through the basket. It was certainly one of the more insane things I’ve seen in sports.
On top of that, it amounted to Charlotte’s third straight win, something they’ve only managed to do three times this season. If they want to make it four straight (something they haven’t done even once this season), they’ll need to defeat a San Antonio Spurs (43-31) squad that has won 8 of its last 10.
If that sounds a bit worrisome, keep in mind that out of the eight teams in the West currently in playoff position, San Antonio has the worst road record at 14-23. Add to that the fact that the Hornets have already beaten the Spurs once this season lends credence to the notion that Charlotte can win this one as well.
Since it bares repeating, Charlotte’s last game was a 115-114 win over the Toronto Raptors. They are still mired in the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. San Antonio’s last contest was a 115-96 win over the Boston Celtics. They are 8th in the West. This will be the final time these two teams meet this season.
Charlotte Hornets vs San Antonio Spurs
7:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, March 26th, 2019
Spectrum Center
Fox Sports Southeast
Stream: Fubo.tv
Injury Report:
CHA:
Nicolas Batum – Illness (Game-Time Decision)
Cody Zeller – Knee (Out)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Concussion (Game-Time Decision)
SAS:
Dejounte Murray – Knee (Out)
Things to watch for:
Will this be Tony Parker‘s last game against his old team? It certainly seems like he has plenty left in the tank with how well he’s played this year, but should the point guard from France hang it up after this season; then it would be his last game facing his former squad. He did struggle in the last game against the Spurs, shooting just 4-12 from the field and scoring only 8 points. I’m sure he’ll want to make up for that at home.
The two teams directly in front of the Hornets in the standings, the Miami Heat, and the Orlando Magic, will play each other shortly after the Hornets tip-off. That game is crucial in regards to that final playoff spot that Charlotte is desperately trying to get back. Hornets fans may want to keep an eye on the score of that one while they cheer their team on.
Keys to the game:
San Antonio and Charlotte respectively commit the fewest and second fewest turnovers in the league. In the first game, the two teams combined for just 19, with Charlotte only committing 7. Taking care of the ball will again be a must, as you want to avoid giving the Spurs easy points.
The Spurs are the most efficient team at the free-throw line, making 82% from the charity stripe. Something to note, though, is that they attempt the 5th fewest free-throws per game. As most Hornets fans know, Charlotte is usually pretty disciplined when it comes to fouling the other team. Still, avoiding silly or careless fouls will be necessary if you don’t want San Antonio killing you from the line.
The Charlotte Hornets certainly have all the momentum they can use right now after two big wins over upper echelon teams. A fourth straight win would definitely be ideal before going on a tough four-game road trip out West. We’ll see if they can sweep the season series against the Spurs Tuesday night at the Hive.