Frustrations are building for the Charlotte Hornets, and positive feelings might be the defining trait for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Just a few weeks into the NBA season, trends might be emerging.
It seems like a crucial time for the Hornets, while the Blazers will try to build more momentum on an East Coast swing when the teams meet Wednesday night at Charlotte, N.C.
It’s not just defeating the Miami Heat on Monday night that gives the Trail Blazers a spark. The win came with a second-half rally capped by Josh Hart’s winning 3-point basket as time expired in the 110-107 outcome.
The Blazers’ momentum probably isn’t a good sign for the Hornets, who faded down the stretch in their most recent game.
Charlotte hopes to avoid a winless three-game homestand.
The Hornets, mired in a five-game losing streak, can’t seem to figure out which area must be addressed the most.
The Hornets’ offensive shortcomings have become the culprit for much of the skid, while defensive snags surfaced prominently in a 108-100 home loss to the Washington Wizards on Monday.
The offensive flow has wavered at times. There were enough positive elements to win some games.
Charlotte’s injury woes have contributed to the situation. Point guard LaMelo Ball still has not played this season because of an ankle injury but is getting close to a return. Dennis Smith Jr. has started nine of 11 games at point guard but is dealing with an ankle issue also.
The Hornets launched 32 shots from 3-point range in Monday’s loss to the Wizards but made only five of those. They are among the bottom half of teams in the league by shooting 33.9 percent from 3-point range.
Charlotte won’t be able to let down its attention defensively against the Trail Blazers, who have shown an early knack of pulling out close games. In a four-night span, they had two buzzer-beating victories.
