Hornets Look To End 8 Game Skid Tonight Against Knicks
The Hornets are coming off of a loss to the Bucks in Paris on Friday. They’ll need to beat a Knicks team coming off of a 13-point win over the Nets.
Hornets Notes
The Hornets are reeling after 8 straight losses and sit at 15-31 on the season. The Hornets had been playing better than expected to start the season but in their last 16 games, they have a record of 2-14.
Devonte Graham has come back down to earth a bit. On the season, he’s shooting less than 40% from the floor (38%) but still leads the team in PPG at 18.6 and assists with 7.6 per game. Many consider Graham to be in the running for Most Improved Player by seasons end.
Terry Rozier has been steadily improving since the season started. Over the course of the last 10 games, Rozier is shooting 44% from three while averaging 20.4 points, 4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Malik Monk has shown flashes in his three NBA seasons but has failed to string together consistent play night in and night out. Lack of playing time has contributed to that but over the last two games, Monk has played very well. Against Orlando, he finished with 20 points in 22 minutes. In Paris against the Bucks, he finished with 31 points in 34 minutes. We’ll see if Monk can build on the last two games.
Knicks Notes
The Knicks aren’t fairing much better than the Hornets this year, owning a 13-34 record. Outside of RJ Barrett, the Knicks’ backcourt struggles to generate points. Power Forward Julius Randle leads the team in assists and rebounds, not exactly the player or position that needs to facilitate the offense.
RJ Barrett has reportedly transitioned from crutches to a walking boot and will be re-evaluated in about a week. With Barrett out tonight nursing an ankle injury, the Hornets have a good chance to snap their 8- game losing streak but with both teams not playing particularly well, anything can happen.
Expect the Hornets to honor Kobe Bryant tonight as this is their first game since the death of the basketball icon. Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, five-time champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
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