Hornets search first 3-game win streak of season, host Mavs

Even in good instances, the Charlotte Hornets can not seem to take pleasure in a number of the optimistic moments.

However they’re going to be again at it Monday afternoon when the Dallas Mavericks go to.

The Hornets, who’re on the lookout for their first three-game profitable streak of the season, are coming to grips with the lack of swingman Brandon Miller, who sustained what has been revealed as a extreme wrist damage.

The Mavericks have damage questions as effectively, so the well being of the groups is sure to be an element.

The Hornets are again residence after what was alleged to be a five-game highway journey. However two video games in Los Angeles had been postponed due to the California wildfires, so it ended up being a 2-1 journey.

Usually, that might be thought of tremendous for Charlotte. However the Miller damage put a damper on the temper, a lot in order that guard LaMelo Ball referred to as it “robust instances” for the group.

The Hornets had been with out Miller throughout Friday night time’s 125-123 victory at Chicago, with details about the potential extent of his absence coming after the sport. He sustained the damage two nights earlier at Utah.

To fill the void left by Miller, the Hornets might name upon Josh Okogie, who was acquired a number of days in the past in a deal that despatched heart Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns.

“I believe he is a jack of all trades, and we’re tremendous enthusiastic about every little thing he will deliver to our group,” Hornets coach Charles Lee mentioned of Okogie. “I believe instantly, he brings an awesome defensive presence to our group. His information of the league and tendencies.”

Charlotte’s Nick Smith Jr. made his first NBA begin and logged 26 minutes Friday, whereas Seth Curry performed 18 minutes off the bench. Every chipped in 15 factors.

Miller is averaging 21.0 factors per sport, although this will likely be his second extended injury-related absence of the season.

“We’ll simply type of need to band collectively and assist him via his rehab,” Lee mentioned.

Dallas additionally hasn’t performed since Friday when it prevailed for a 106-98 residence victory in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Kyrie Irving poured in 25 factors to guide the Mavericks in scoring for the primary time since Dec. 28.

“Superb,” teammate Naji Marshall mentioned. “He simply put us on (his) again.”

Due to a again damage, Irving has performed in solely three video games in January. He appeared for 39 minutes Friday night time, however he mentioned it is nonetheless a course of in getting again to type.

“Simply proceed to pattern in the suitable route so I haven’t got a lapse in a method the place I am out and I’ve to get surgical procedure,” Irving mentioned. “I really feel lots higher. … Taking my time and simply remaining affected person.”

Even with a few days off, the Mavericks is likely to be hurting coming into Monday’s sport. Jaden Hardy exited Friday’s sport with an injured proper ankle and Dwight Powell departed with a hip ailment. Neither participant returned to motion.

Since Christmas Day, the Mavericks have misplaced 9 of 13 video games. Dallas has dropped its previous 5 highway outings.

So after beating one of many NBA’s prime groups, the Mavericks will attempt to hold the momentum in opposition to one of many worst golf equipment within the league.

It is a return to Charlotte for Mavericks ahead P.J. Washington, who spent almost 5 years with the Hornets to start his professional profession.

Washington has began in 34 of the 35 video games he has performed for Dallas this season, averaging 13.1 factors and a career-best 7.8 rebounds per sport.

–Area Degree Media