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The Brooklyn Nets (5-9) are set to host the Charlotte Hornets (5-8) in an intriguing matchup on Tuesday night. Both teams have struggled to find consistency this season, hovering around the .400 mark as they look to gain traction in the standings.
The Nets have dropped three straight games, and their recent form has been concerning. Over the last five games, they're averaging just 109.4 points while allowing a whopping 117.4 points per contest. Their shooting numbers have dipped as well, hitting just under 45% from the field and a shade above 41% from three-point range. Rebounding has been a particular issue, grabbing nearly six fewer boards than their season average during this stretch.
On the flip side, the Hornets have been more competitive lately, splitting their last five games despite being on the road for much of that span. Their scoring output has taken a slight hit at 105.2 points per game, but they've tightened up defensively, holding opponents to 109.2 points – a marked improvement from their season average. The Hornets have also dominated the glass, hauling in a robust 49.4 rebounds per game while forcing over eight steals per contest.
While both teams have struggled to find their rhythm, a few key areas could swing this matchup. The Nets will need to get their offense back on track and crash the boards more effectively to offset Charlotte's recent rebounding dominance. Conversely, the Hornets must maintain their defensive intensity and control the paint to slow down Brooklyn's talented scorers. With both squads desperate for a win to gain some momentum, expect an intense, back-and-forth battle as they fight to turn their seasons around.