When: 7:00 PM EST; Saturday, December 13th, 2014
Where: Time Warner Cable Arena; Charlotte, NC
TV: YES Network
The Nets and the Hornets meet tonight in Charlotte as underwhelming and tired teams. Brooklyn is coming off a big, yet unconvincing, win over the 2-20 Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays last night but have lost three of four. Charlotte spend last night losing in double overtime fashion to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Fatigue will certainly play a big role in this game and will, along with the early 7:00 p.m. tip time, probably contribute to a slow and sloppy first quarter or even entire first half. Kevin Garnett (rest) will sit on the second night of the back-to-back for the Nets while Brook Lopez (back) and Mirza Teletovic (hip) won’t play as well.
Charlotte doesn’t have many major injuries right now but is getting a player in rookie P.J. Hairston, a North Carolina product, who can provide some spark on offense for a team that is 24th in the NBA in points per game. Still, even with a 6-16 record and less-than-desirable offensive numbers, the Hornets boast some guys–Kemba Walker, Lance Stephenson and Al Jefferson namely–who could cause some matchup issues for the Nets. Jefferson has crushed Brooklyn in the past.
Probable Lineups
BKN- Deron Williams (PG), Joe Johnson (SG), Sergey Karasev (SF), Cory Jefferson (PF), Mason Plumlee (C)
CHA- Kemba Walker (PG), Gerald Henderson (SG), Lance Stephenson (SF), Cody Zeller (PF), Al Jefferson (C)
Final Thoughts
I know they just played last night and are missing KG, Mirza and Brook, but this is another game the Nets really should win. The Hornets played a closer, longer and more intense game last night and just shouldn’t have the weapons to combat Brooklyn, should Lionel Hollins’ team finally get into an offensive rhythm.
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