Hornets’ Starting Lineup Set for Key Matchup Against the Bucks
As game time approaches, Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee has finalized his starting lineup for tonight’s showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks. The anticipation is palpable as LaMelo Ball leads the charge for the Hive, eyeing a potential scoring surge against a formidable opponent.
LaMelo Ball’s Scoring Potential
In his last three games, Ball has been a consistent scorer, tallying 23, 23, and 22 points. There’s a growing sense that he might be primed for a breakout performance, perhaps even hitting the coveted 30-point mark. Such an explosion would be especially beneficial with the team missing key player Kon Knueppel, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury.
The Supporting Cast
Joining Ball in the starting lineup is Brandon Miller, who is looking to bounce back after a challenging outing against the Orlando Magic. Despite shooting just 5-for-16 in that game, Miller has shown improvement in his shooting efficiency recently and will aim to contribute more significantly tonight.
Sion James, the rookie guard, is also set to start despite having been questionable due to illness. His readiness adds depth to the backcourt.
Bridges Seeking Rhythm
Forward Miles Bridges has been struggling with his three-point shot, managing only a 26% success rate from beyond the arc this month. It’s a critical area for him to address, as the Hornets will need his scoring to keep pace with the high-scoring Bucks.
Diabate’s Continued Impact
Center Moussa Diabate retains his spot in the starting five with both Kalkbrenner and Plumlee still out. Diabate has been making a strong impact in recent games, recording 12 points and 18 rebounds in one outing, followed by 10 points and 12 rebounds in another. His presence in the paint will be vital against Milwaukee’s imposing front line.
Lee Highlights Josh Green’s Contributions
In pregame comments, Lee praised Josh Green’s contributions off the bench, emphasizing his competitive spirit and energetic play.
“Josh’s competitive spirit and the energy he brings every day is invaluable,” Lee remarked. “Defensively, he’s all over the place in terms of his shift activity and closing out to shooters, taking away their airspace. His active hands lead to deflections and he helps us finish possessions because he’s so eager to participate and be physical. Offensively, he connects our group well. He plays off the ball effectively, can catch-and-shoot, and makes quick decisions. We’ve had several film sessions where we’ve admired his passing, which has been impressive.”
Game Details
The Hornets are set to tip off against the Bucks at approximately 7:10 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the action live on the FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. As the Hornets look to secure their third consecutive win, all eyes will be on Ball and the rest of the squad to see how they respond to the challenge posed by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.
