Charlotte Hornets: Keys to the game and what to watch for vs. Washington Wizards
By Emmett Ball
The Charlotte Hornets play the third game of their four-game homestand against the Washington Wizards Sunday afternoon. The Wizards are currently the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons.
The Wizard’s last game was a 122-95 loss against the Miami Heat; the Hornets are coming off a 138-121 loss against the Utah Jazz. This matchup will be the first time in six games the Hornets won’t be matched up against a potential title contender.
The Wizards’ Bradley Beal in their backcourt, averaging 33.3 points per game this season. They also have former MVP Russell Westbrook who is averaging 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. The Wizards certainly have the offense to stay in games, however, they continue to struggle on the defensive side of the basketball. The Wizards have the second-worst defensive rating in the NBA and are allowing the most opponent points per game at 121.6.
The Hornets have been without PJ Washington for the past two games and he will be questionable on Sunday. The Wizards will continue to be without center Thomas Bryant who suffered a torn ACL early on in the season.
Beal has been playing some of the best basketball of his career yet he hasn’t always had the support from the players around him. He’ll be looking to bounce back from his performance in Friday night’s game against the Miami Heat where he started the game 0-13 from the field and finished the game with 7 points.
LaMelo Ball is coming off his best scoring game Friday night against the Jazz, scoring a career-high 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. Over the last five games, Ball has averaged 22. 5 points on over 51% shooting. With the uncertainty of Washington playing in Sunday’s game, it will be interesting whether Lamelo Ball will be inserted into the starting lineup once again. Ball hopes to continue his hot streak and further his case for Rookie of the Year award contention.