Game Info
When: Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, LeaguePass
Injury Report
Wizards: Cam Whitmore – Questionable (Shoulder), Marvin Bagley III – Questionable (Calf), Alex Sarr – Out (Groin), Corey Kispert – Out (Thumb), Khris Middleton – Questionable (Knee)
Hornets: Collin Sexton – Questionable (Quad), LaMelo Ball – Questionable (Wrist), Ryan Kalkbrenner – Questionable – (Elbow), Grant Williams – Out (Knee)
Pregame notes
After losing to the San Antonio Spurs
at home, the Wizards hit the road to go down to North Carolina to face their division foe, the Charlotte Hornets. The Wizards are a bit banged up at the moment with injuries to both Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley III, which has lead to the team playing with only one traditional center, Tristan Vukecvic. This is not ideal because the team was severely outrebounded to the tune of 77-50 on Sunday night against the Spurs. The Wizards’ coach staff will have to work on some strategy of how to counteract that issue should Sarr and Bagley not be available again.
On the other side, Charlotte going into Monday evening have won 2 out of their last 3 games. They are getting strong play from their rookie swingman, Kon Knueppel, who is averaging 19.4 ppg, which is good for first among NBA rookies this season. Charlotte boast a number of other young talented wing players like Brandon Miller as well, but it will like be the presence of Miles Bridges and former All-Star LaMelo Ball, who if he plays, should draw a lot of the Wizards’ attention.
Unlike the Spurs, Charlotte does not boast the size advantage that impacted the Wizards in their last game. This game will likely come down to which team can get a stop. Both teams rank among the bottom fourth in the league in defensive rating. Getting stops and rebounding will go a long way in deciding this one.
