Game Preview
The Charlotte Hornets (6-11) host the Miami Heat (7-7) on Wednesday night in an intriguing matchup between two teams trending in opposite directions recently. While the Hornets have stumbled to just a single win in their last five games, the Heat arrive riding a two-game winning streak and sporting a 3-2 record over their previous five contests.
Offense has been a struggle for Charlotte, as they've averaged just 107.5 points over their last 10 games while shooting a pedestrian 42.5 percent from the field. Their three-point shooting has been particularly anemic at 36.2 percent during that stretch. However, the Hornets have remained competitive by crashing the boards, grabbing nearly 50 rebounds per game over their last 10 outings.
Meanwhile, Miami's offense has started to find its rhythm, pouring in 116.8 points per game over their last five while shooting a blistering 44.5 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from deep. The Heat's balanced attack is fueled by 25.2 assists per game during this hot stretch, showcasing their ability to share the ball and create open looks. Defensively, they've clamped down as well, holding opponents to just 112 points per game over their last five.
A key factor could be Miami's ability to force turnovers and get out in transition. Over the full season, the Heat have averaged nearly 10 steals per game, igniting their fast break. If they can disrupt Charlotte's offensive flow and push the pace, it could overwhelm a Hornets squad that has struggled to score consistently of late. However, the Hornets will look to control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities for Miami's athletic lineup.