Game Preview: Bucks at Hornets (In-Season Tournament)

Injury Report

Hornets: OUT: Terry Rozier (Groin), Cody Martin (Knee), James Bouknight (Knee), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia)

QUESTIONABLE: Brandon Miller (Ankle), Gordon Hayward (Hamstring)

Bucks: OUT: Jae Crowder (Groin), Chris Livingston (Ankle)

QUESTIONABLE: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Calf), MarJon Beauchamp (Ankle)

Game Preview

The Charlotte Hornets, while still shorthanded, will head into Friday night's In-Season Tournament matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks anticipating the return of Miles Bridges. It will be Bridges' first NBA action since April of 2022. 

After dropping Tuesday night's In-Season Tournament game at home to the Heat, the Hornets will look to get back on track against one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks' one-two punch of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo has helped them achieve the seventh-best offensive rating in the league. 

Charlotte's defensive personnel will play a big part in giving them a chance to win Friday night. If the Hornets can consistently manufacture defensive stops with the players they are able to put on the floor, they will give themselves a chance against Milwaukee. 

Key Matchup: LaMelo Ball vs Damian Lillard

The point guard matchup will be the most intriguing positional battle on Friday night. After being traded to the Bucks in September, Damian Lillard has lit up the scoreboard for 24.3 points per game, though doing it on just 38.6% efficiency. 

LaMelo Ball has come into his own over the last two weeks, averaging 29.8 points over his last five games. He should be able to continue his offensive onslaught with a smaller defender like Lillard assigned to him. 

Predicted Starting Fives

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