The Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets, both navigating roster depth challenges, are set to clash on Saturday night.
On Friday, the Hornets played without their top scorer, LaMelo Ball. Player availability remains a critical factor as other players have had to step up in larger roles.
Charlotte has been struggling, with four consecutive losses and six defeats in their last seven games.
Conversely, the Hawks have won two straight games after a three-game losing streak. They delivered one of their best defensive performances of the season on Friday.
Atlanta utilized a strong third quarter and 23 points from De’Andre Hunter to secure a 117-101 home win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have now lost to the Hawks twice in a row.
Three Atlanta players, including guard Trae Young, scored 20 or more points. The additional support around Young has been a significant boost for the Hawks.
Meanwhile, the Hornets endured a narrow 99-98 home loss to the New York Knicks on Friday.
Ball was sidelined with a sore calf, forward Miles Bridges was out with a knee bruise, and key reserve Tre Mann missed the game due to a back ailment. Ball’s injury occurred in the final minute of Wednesday’s game against the Miami Heat.
Ball, averaging 31.1 points and 6.9 assists per game, would be a significant absence if he misses a second consecutive game on Saturday.
Brandon Miller scored 20 points for the Hornets, who had a four-point lead with six minutes remaining.
Charlotte also received a boost from KJ Simpson, who scored 11 points in a season-high 16 minutes off the bench.
The last meeting between these teams on October 25 saw Ball score 34 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers, but also committing 10 turnovers.
Atlanta countered with Young’s 38 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, overcoming the Hornets’ 42-point second quarter to secure a 125-120 win.
