Charlotte Hornets face uphill battle against surging Atlanta Hawks in crucial division clash
The Atlanta Hawks are on a roll and aim to extend their winning streak to two games as they welcome the Charlotte Hornets to town. Fresh off a victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Hawks look to build momentum in what marks the first meeting of the season between these two division rivals. For the Hornets, however, the situation is less than ideal as they take the court following a tough loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.
Hornets Struggling Early in the Season
Charlotte began the season with promise, but now stands at a challenging 4-12 record, casting doubt on their chances of competing in the play-in tournament. Their struggles have been evident, and with each game, the pressure mounts as they face the reality of another difficult season ahead.
Starting Lineups Announced
As the game approaches tipoff, both teams have unveiled their starting lineups:
Hawks
G – Nickeil Alexander-Walker
G – Dyson Daniels
F – Zaccharie Risacher
F – Jalen Johnson
C – Onyeka Okongwu
Hornets
G – Collin Sexton
G – Kon Knueppel
F – Sion James
F – Miles Bridges
C – Mason Plumlee
Analyzing the Hawks’ Performance
In a recent game preview, deeper analysis revealed the intricacies of the Hawks’ offensive and defensive play. While their offense wasn’t to blame for a previous defeat against the Spurs, they managed to bounce back against the Pelicans. Statistically, the Hawks sit 18th in points scored, 8th in field goal percentage, and 9th in three-point shooting. Their offensive efficiency has been bolstered by a diverse attack, allowing multiple players to contribute rather than relying solely on Trae Young.
Defensively, the Hawks have experienced a downward trend, but their performance against New Orleans provided a much-needed boost. They rank 18th in points allowed and hold respectable positions in field goal percentage and three-point percentage allowed, showcasing their ability to defend the perimeter effectively. While not elite, their 15th ranking in defensive rating indicates a serviceable defense that can still disrupt opposing offenses.
Hornets’ Offensive Woes
On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets have found themselves grappling with significant offensive challenges. Despite the promising addition of Duke standout Kon Knueppel, the team struggles with cohesion and consistency. Offensively, they rank 20th in points scored and 21st in field goal percentage, with their three-point shooting falling to 19th. A notable statistic is their alarming last-place ranking in assists, highlighting a lack of ball movement and teamwork that has hindered their scoring efforts.
Defensively, the Hornets’ woes continue with rankings of 23rd in points allowed and a staggering 30th in three-point percentage allowed. Their resistance on the boards is commendable, as they are 8th in rebounds, but this strength is undermined by their inability to generate turnovers, placing them 28th in steals.
Expectations for the Matchup
As the Hawks gear up for another encounter against a defense that has struggled to hold its ground, expectations are high for them to establish control early in the game. With the Hornets still searching for their identity, the upcoming clash presents a critical opportunity for Atlanta to solidify its standing while pushing Charlotte deeper into the shadows of an uphill battle.
