Brandon Miller’s Return Sparks Hope for Hornets Against Struggling Clippers
The Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers find themselves mired in disappointment as the NBA season unfolds. While their struggles stem from different sources, both teams face considerable challenges, predominantly due to injury woes that threaten their performance in today’s 1 PM matchup. However, amid this adversity, the return of Brandon Miller shines a glimmer of hope for the Hornets, as he makes his comeback after missing 13 consecutive games.
Injury Reports and Lineup Challenges
As both teams prepare for the clash, the injury report paints a bleak picture.
Hornets:
OUT: Grant Williams (R Knee), Josh Green (L Shoulder), Tidjane Salaün (G-League)
Questionable: Tre Mann (L Ankle Soreness)
PROBABLE: Sion James (L Groin Soreness)
Clippers:
OUT: Bradley Beal (L Hip Fracture), Derrick Jones Jr. (Right Knee Surgery), Kawhi Leonard (R Ankle Sprain), Jordan Miller (L Hamstring)
Miller, in his only full game this season, showcased his potential with a remarkable performance, recording 25 points and 7 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets. His return could be pivotal for a Hornets team in urgent need of a spark.
Offensive and Defensive Trends
Both the Hornets and the Clippers exhibit a curious trend in their gameplay. In the first quarter, Charlotte ranks second in offensive rating, while Los Angeles sits at tenth. However, their defensive struggles are evident, with the Hornets and Clippers ranked 30th and 26th respectively in defensive rating.
As the game progresses into the second quarter, both teams experience a stark reversal. Their offensive output stalls significantly, with Charlotte and LA falling to 21st and 22nd in offensive rating while their defenses improve, rising to 8th and 9th. This inconsistency underscores the difficulty both teams face in maintaining solid play throughout an entire game.
Depth Issues and Lineup Inconsistencies
Injuries have forced both squads to shuffle their lineups frequently, which complicates their ability to develop chemistry and execute consistent strategies. The Hornets, while challenged, benefit from a young bench filled with promising talent such as Liam McNeeley, Moussa Diabate, KJ Simpson, Tre Mann, and Tidjane Salaün, all of whom have room for growth.
In contrast, the Clippers find themselves leaning on aging veterans like Brook Lopez (37), Chris Paul (40), Bogdan Bogdanovic (33), and Nicolas Batum (36) in their second unit. This reliance on older players raises concerns about the sustainability of their performance, especially in a league that increasingly values youth and athleticism.
Key Matchup: Controlling Possession
A critical factor in today’s game will be possession. The Clippers must navigate their offense through James Harden, particularly in the absence of Beal and Leonard. This often leads to isolation plays and unassisted baskets, but also results in turnovers and stagnant ball movement.
The Hornets need to capitalize on this by applying pressure on Harden, limiting the contributions of John Collins and Ivica Zubac, and forcing turnovers. Additionally, rebounding will be crucial, as Charlotte has an advantage in this area, while the Clippers have struggled. Outside of Zubac, who has been a reliable rebounder despite his team’s overall struggles, LA lacks the athleticism necessary to command the boards effectively.
Potential X-Factors and Strategy
Should Zubac take a breather, the Clippers’ rebounding unit weakens significantly. Bogdan Bogdanovic leads the second unit with a mere 3.4 rebounds per game, underscoring the lack of depth in their frontcourt. John Collins has yet to find a stable role, while Batum and Lopez have not made significant contributions on the glass.
On the other hand, the Hornets can exploit this vulnerability by pushing the pace, leveraging their athleticism—especially with Miller back in the lineup—to dominate on the boards. If they can create turnovers and capitalize on fast-break opportunities, today’s game could present one of their best chances for success this season.
Projected Starting Lineups
Charlotte Hornets:
Point Guard: LaMelo Ball
Shooting Guard: Kon Knueppel
Small Forward: Brandon Miller
Power Forward: Miles Bridges
Center: Ryan Kalkbrenner
Los Angeles Clippers:
Point Guard: James Harden
Shooting Guard: Kris Dunn
Small Forward: Kobe Sanders
Power Forward: John Collins
Center: Ivica Zubac
With Miller’s return, the Hornets have the opportunity to shift the momentum in their favor against a Clippers team struggling to find its footing. As the game unfolds, the keys to victory will revolve around ball control, rebounding, and maintaining offensive consistency.
