Game Preview
The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets are set to face off on Thursday night in a clash of struggling Eastern Conference teams. The Wizards have endured a dismal start, limping into this matchup with a 3-21 record and firmly entrenched in the basement of the conference. Their recent form has been particularly dismal, with just a single win over their last 20 games. Over that stretch, Washington has averaged a paltry 104.95 points per game while surrendering a whopping 122.75 points on the other end.
Offense has been a glaring issue for the Wizards, who are shooting just 43.9% from the field and 29.9% from beyond the arc over their last 20 contests. Their once-potent three-point attack has gone ice-cold, hovering around 30.9% for the season. While they've remained respectable at the free throw line (75.6% over the last 20 games), turnovers have been a persistent problem, coughing up the ball 15.7 times per game during that span.
The Hornets, meanwhile, have struggled mightily themselves, entering this matchup with a 7-19 record and a 26.9% win percentage on the season. However, there are glimmers of hope in Charlotte's recent performances. Over their last five games, the Hornets have scored 124 points per contest while shooting a blistering 45.1% from the field and 32.8% from deep. They've also displayed improved ball movement, dishing out 30.2 assists per game during that stretch.
While the Hornets' defensive numbers have been less impressive lately, allowing 116 points per game over their last five, they've managed to stay competitive by crashing the boards. Charlotte has pulled down nearly 51 rebounds per game in that span, a marked improvement over their season average of 46.8. This renewed emphasis on rebounding could prove pivotal against a Wizards team that has struggled to secure misses, grabbing just 43.7 rebounds per game over their last 20 outings.
Both teams will be desperate for a much-needed win, but the Hornets' recent offensive surge and improved rebounding efforts could give them a slight edge over the reeling Wizards, who have shown few signs of life in recent weeks. With these two squads mired in disappointing seasons, this contest could come down to which team can sustain their recent momentum and impose their will on the glass.