5 games Hornets should circle after schedule release

Charlotte Hornets Teal Towel. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Teal Towel. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Nov 29, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) hug after the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) hug after the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

1/26 – Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls

Charlotte has just two nationally televised home games this season; January 16th when they host the Boston Celtics (NBA TV), and January 26th when they host the Chicago Bulls (TNT).

The Hornets vs. Bulls matchup is a part of “NBA Rivals Week”, with several marquee matchups scheduled from January 24th – 28th.

The obvious draw in this matchup is the battle of the Ball brothers, with Chicago’s Lonzo Ball fully recovered from injuries that limited him to a career-low 35 games a season ago. Lonzo holds a 2-1 advantage in head-to-head matchups between the brothers, including a victory a season ago when Charlotte visited the Windy City. This matchup will mark Lonzo’s first visit to Charlotte as a member of the Bulls.

While Lonzo holds the upper hand in terms of wins, LaMelo had statistically outperformed his older brother in their matchups. LaMelo has posted averages of 17.3 points, 9.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds in their three meetings compared to Lonzo’s 11.0 points, 5.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds.

The Hornets vs. Bulls series also has intrigue due to Charlotte owner Michael Jordan’s obvious affiliation with Chicago. Having won six NBA championships with the Bulls, Jordan will forever be revered by the Bulls fanbase.

Charlotte will be looking for their first home victory over Chicago since October 23rd, 2019, in the season opener of the 2019-20 season. That night, rookie PJ Washington poured in 27 points to help lead the Hornets to a 127-126 victory over the Bulls. Washington’s 27 points marked the most by a Charlotte rookie since December 16th, 2008, when DJ Augustin had a 29-point outing. Ironically, Augustin’s performance also came against the Bulls.