Charlotte Hornets: Game preview and things to watch against Hawks
After a tough stretch of 5 games against TOR, MIL, SA, DEN, and HOU, the Charlotte Hornets head to Atlanta to play the lottery-bound Hawks for the second time this season.
The Charlotte Hornets (22-41), head down I-85 to take on the Atlanta Hawks (19-46), after a convincing win against Houston on Saturday night. This will be the second matchup between the divisional foes after the Hawks won the last affair at the Spectrum Center 122-107.
In their last matchup, the Hornets failed to stop the offensive efforts of Hawks point guard Trae Young, as he finished the game with 30 points, and also added an impressive 9 assist mark with 7 rebounds as well.
Coming off one of their best all-around performances of the season against Houston, the Hornets could add a second straight win as the Hawks sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference currently; they are one of the weakest resumes the Hornets have left to face for the remainder of the season.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Houston Rockets
5:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, March 7th, 2020
State Farm Arena
Fox Sports Southeast
Stream: Fubo.tv
Injury Report:
CHA:
None
ATL
Kevin Huerter: Groin (Probable)
De’Andre Hunter: Knee (Probable)
John Collins: Thigh (Probable)
Clint Capela: Heel (Out)
Jeff Teague: Illness (Questionable)
DeAndre’ Bembry: Abdomen (Questionable)
Things to Watch:
The Hornets have played some of their best defensive basketball as of late, and although Houston’s James Harden scored a triple-double in a losing effort Saturday, he finished the game with 10 turnovers. These turnovers were due to some impressive effort on both ends of the floor by Charlotte, forcing Harden to either pass or take a heavily contested jumper.
If the Hornets can continue this good run of play and get Trae Young out of rhythm, their chances bode well on the road trip to Atlanta. But if they slack off for even one moment, this Hawks team has enough young talent to pounce on poor mistakes, which could make this the second straight loss to the Hawks on the season.
Keys to the Game:
It is very simply put, but it is the honest truth. The Hawks are dealing with a ton of injuries in this second half of the season, and as they do not have a very great team, to begin with, Trae Young finds himself taking a lot of shots.
If the Hornets can find a way to do this one thing, they will come out on top in Atlanta. If the Hornets win, the team may be able to jump into the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference standings.