LaMelo Ball and Trae Young Set for Explosive Return in Hawks vs Hornets Clash
The stage is set for an exciting rematch as the Charlotte Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center tonight at approximately 7 PM. This isn’t the teams’ first encounter of the season; they previously clashed on November 23rd, where the Hawks narrowly secured a 113-110 victory, overcoming a remarkable 28-point performance from Kon Knueppel. However, that game may not reveal the full story of either team’s capabilities.
Injuries and Absences Impacting Both Teams
In their earlier matchup, the Hornets were significantly shorthanded, missing key players including Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Josh Green. The Hawks, too, faced challenges, compensating for the absences of Trae Young and Luke Kennard. As both teams prepare for tonight’s game, they are hoping for a more balanced lineup.
Injury Report Overview
For the Hornets, the injury report shows:
OUT: Grant Williams (R Knee), Pat Connaughton (R Calf), Tre Mann (R Knee), Colin Sexton (L Quad), Liam McNeeley (G-League)
PROBABLE: LaMelo Ball (L Ankle)
The Hawks have their own injury struggles:
OUT: N’Faly Dante (G-League), Nikola Djurisic (G-League), Kristaps Porzingis (Illness)
QUESTIONABLE: Trae Young (R Knee)
While the Hornets will continue to miss Collin Sexton and Tre Mann, the potential return of LaMelo Ball could provide a significant boost. However, Ball has struggled with consistency this season, averaging his lowest points per game since his rookie year and shooting just 28.5% from beyond the arc. His availability has been sporadic, with no more than six consecutive games played.
Trae Young’s Uncertain Status
Similarly, Trae Young’s season has been tumultuous. After a poor shooting start, where he converted only 19.2% of his three-point attempts over five games, he suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee, sidelining him since. If either of these dynamic guards returns, expect them to aggressively seek to find their rhythm early in the game.
Key Factors for Success
Stopping the Break
One of the keys to tonight’s matchup will be the Hornets’ ability to limit the Hawks’ fast-break opportunities. Atlanta has effectively shared the scoring load despite Young’s absence, ranking first in assists per game and fourth in fast-break points. Under head coach Quin Snyder, the Hawks have cultivated an offense that excels at creating quality shots.
Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have stepped up significantly in Young’s absence. Johnson has transformed into a versatile offensive threat, capable of scoring in a variety of ways, and is currently on a four-game triple-double streak. Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker, who began the season as a sixth man, has transitioned into a reliable starter, averaging over 20 points per game.
Minimizing Turnovers
For the Hornets, avoiding live-ball turnovers is crucial. The Hawks thrive off these mistakes, as evidenced in their earlier win against Charlotte, where they outscored the Hornets 23-8 in points off turnovers. Additionally, giving Moussa Diabate more minutes could be beneficial, allowing for a quicker defensive response after missed shots.
Projected Starting Lineups
Hornets
Point Guard: LaMelo Ball
Shooting Guard: Kon Knueppel
Small Forward: Brandon Miller
Power Forward: Miles Bridges
Center: Ryan Kalkbrenner
Hawks
Point Guard: Trae Young
Shooting Guard: Dyson Daniels
Small Forward: Zaccharie Risacher
Power Forward: Jalen Johnson
Center: Onyeka Okongwu
As the Hornets and Hawks gear up for another exciting chapter of their rivalry, all eyes will be on the potential returns of LaMelo Ball and Trae Young. The implications of their performances could be significant, setting the tone for the rest of the season as both teams eye crucial victories.
