Hornets Aim to Sustain Momentum Against Jokic-Led Nuggets

The Charlotte Hornets are set to face off against the Denver Nuggets in an exciting intraconference game. The Hornets, with a record of 7-16, will be looking to build on their recent success through this matchup. Conversely, the Nuggets currently sit at 16-6 and have dominated the series with seven consecutive wins over Charlotte.

Hornets Seek Momentum Against Jokic-Led Nuggets

The Hornets come off a resounding 111-86 victory against the Toronto Raptors, showcasing their potential. This impressive win was led by Kon Knueppel and Tidjane Salaun, each scoring 21 points. However, the Hornets continue to face challenges with injuries affecting their roster.

Injury Concerns for the Hornets

• OUT: LaMelo Ball (ankle), Josh Green (shoulder), Grant Williams (knee), Pat Connaughton (calf), Tre Mann (knee), Colin Sexton (quad)
• QUESTIONABLE: Moussa Diabate (knee)

The Hornets struggled with keeping their key players healthy. The trio of Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel has played together for only six games, generating an outstanding offensive efficiency rating of 122.5 per 100 possessions during those minutes.

Nuggets Riding High with Jokic’s Dominance

The Denver Nuggets are currently on a two-game winning streak. They recently defeated the Atlanta Hawks 134-133, with Nikola Jokic delivering a spectacular performance of 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. His offensive prowess, paired with Jamal Murray’s average of 24.6 points per game, makes the Nuggets a formidable opponent.

Injury Updates for the Nuggets

• OUT: Christian Braun (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Julian Strawther (back)

Despite missing key players, the Nuggets’ efficient offense remains effective. Their league-leading offensive rating of 124.3 highlights their scoring capability.

Key Matchup: K.J. Simpson vs. Jamal Murray

A critical aspect of this game will be the performance of K.J. Simpson, who will be thrust into a starting role. Simpson will need to stay vigilant against Murray, who excels in scoring from both the perimeter and the rim.

In his last outing against the Raptors, Simpson contributed significantly, recording 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists along with five steals. For the Hornets to have a chance against the Nuggets, creating turnovers and scoring interruptions will be essential.

Projected Starting Lineups

This matchup promises to be thrilling, with both teams seeking a win. The Hornets aim to capitalize on their recent momentum, while the Nuggets, led by Jokic, continue to demonstrate their offensive strength.