Hawks, Hornets Collide In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on Friday.

The Hornets (7-21) can’t stop losing and extended their skid to six straight defeats following a 141-134 overtime loss against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. During that loss, Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 28 points, complementing them with eight boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Terry Rozier managed 25 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. LaMelo Ball generated a 23-point, 11-assist double-double that included one rebound. Jalen McDaniels registered 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. P.J. Washington supplied 13 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee turned in a 12-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assists.

Gordon Hayward (shoulder), Dennis Smith (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) have all been listed as game-time decisions for Friday’s game. Cody Martin (knee) has been ruled out.

The Hawks (14-15) have been struggling of late and are coming off another loss, this time a 135-124 defeat against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The team has lost two games in a row and four of its last five. During that loss against the Magic, De’Andre Hunter was the best player for the Hawks, finishing with 25 points and six rebounds, while Trae Young had a double-double of 19 points and 16 assists that also included three rebounds. Clint Capela had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while AJ Griffin finished with 15 points in 27 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench.

Clint Capela (calf) has been listed as a game-time decision for Friday’s game, while John Collins and Dejounte Murray have been ruled out due to ankle injuries. The injuries to key players are a big reason why Atlanta has struggled so much in recent weeks.
Posted on: 12/15/2022 12:18 PM