Game Preview: Hornets vs. Mavericks
The Charlotte Hornets, currently positioned 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-31, are set to host the Dallas Mavericks, who sit at 12th in the Western Conference with a record of 21-39. This matchup takes place on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Team Performance
The Hornets enter the game riding a wave of confidence, having won their last four games. They’ve managed a home record of 13-16 this season and excel in offensive rebounding, with an average of 12.8 per game, spearheaded by Moussa Diabate who contributes 3.7 offensive boards on average.
In contrast, the Mavericks struggle away from home, boasting a dismal 7-20 road record. Defensively, they surrender an average of 117.7 points per game, which translates to an average deficit of 3.8 points per game against their opponents. Offensively, Dallas puts up 113.9 points per game, just a slight edge over the 113.0 points that Charlotte allows.
Three-Point Shooting
From beyond the arc, the Hornets are notable for hitting an average of 15.9 three-pointers per game, which is 3.7 more than the Mavericks concede at 12.2 per game. This game marks the second encounter between the teams this season, following the Hornets’ narrow victory of 123-121 on January 30.
Players to Watch
Highlighting the players to watch, LaMelo Ball is averaging 19.3 points with a shooting percentage of 40.1% for the Hornets, while Brandon Miller has been on fire, scoring an average of 22.1 points over his last 10 games. For the Mavericks, Klay Thompson contributes 11.5 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 38.7%, and Max Christie averages 1.7 three-pointers over the last 10 contests.
Recent Performance
Examining recent performance, the Hornets have posted a record of 7 wins and 3 losses in their last 10 games, scoring an average of 116.5 points, alongside substantial contributions in rebounds (47.5), assists (26.3), steals (8.8), and blocks (4). Their opponents have managed just 107.1 points against them during this span. Conversely, the Mavericks have struggled significantly with only 2 wins against 8 losses in their last 10 games, averaging 114.4 points while giving up a staggering 123.7 points to their rivals.
Injury Report
In terms of injuries, the Hornets will be fielding a full squad, while the Mavericks face several challenges. Naji Marshall is out due to a finger injury, Dereck Lively II will miss the remainder of the season with a foot issue, and Klay Thompson’s status is uncertain as he is day-to-day with an adductor problem. Additionally, Kyrie Irving is out for the season due to knee surgery, while Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Marvin Bagley III are sidelined with foot, ankle, and neck injuries, respectively.
