Charlotte Hornets: Game preview and things to watch against Spurs
After ending a two-game losing streak on Sunday, the Charlotte Hornets contiune their homestand at home against the San Antonio Spurs.
After coming off a tough and motivating loss at home, the Charlotte Hornets (21-39) continue their homestand against the San Antonio Spurs (25-33) on Tuesday night. This will be the final matchup of the season between the two teams.
The Hornets lost the first matchup against the Spurs while on the road. In that game, the Hornets won the first half, but could not finish in the second half. DeMar DeRozan had a huge impact in the comeback win over the Hornets.
As both teams come into this one, the Hornets’ previous game was a 93-85 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Spurs’ are coming off a 116-111 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Charlotte Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs
7:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020
Spectrum Center
Fox Sports Southeast
Stream: Fubo.tv
Injury Report:
CHA:
Devonte’ Graham – Ankle (Questionable)
SAS:
LaMarcus Aldridge – Shoulder (Out)
Jakob Poeltl – MCL Sprain (Out)
Things to watch:
The Hornets are coming off one of their most motivating games of the season. Even though Charlotte lost, the team could easily consider the game to be a moral victory.
The team played well against the best team in the league, and they were not able to finish in the closing stages. With the momentum from Sunday, expect the team to come out with a lot of intensity.
Must Read. Why Mitch Kupchak will add another quality player this summer. light
The Spurs are coming into this one after playing a game on Monday night. After playing the night before Tuesday’s game, the Spurs may be a little exhausted with the lack of rest and preparation.
The Martin brothers played well in the Hornets’ last game; their play earned them both 24+ minutes of court time. With their stellar play, their bench production should be one of the highlights for Tuesday’s game.
Keys to the game:
Injuries could hurt the Spurs in this one, but the Hornets need to be ready for anything. LaMarcus Aldridge has been a thorn in the Hornets’ side, and him not playing could significantly benefit the Hornets.
Since the Spurs are coming off the first game of a back-to-back, the Hornets must come out fast in the first quarter. If the Hornets are able to set the tempo early, then the Spurs will be forced to play faster; this is where fatigue from their previous game can kick in.
While their record and stats may not show it, the Spurs are a good defensive team. Their defense is what pressured the Hornets and carried them to a win over Charlotte in early February.
Next. Is there a chance that the Hornets let Dwayne Bacon walk?. dark
With the Hornets’ history, the team cannot take this Spurs team lightly. Winning this game will keep the Hornets in the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference standings, while losing will keep them idle.