si
The Brooklyn Nets will meet the Charlotte Hornets for the second time in a span of two weeks. The Nets recently snapped a skid with a win over the Indiana Pacers but are eager to move past a disappointing fourth-quarter showing in their latest loss to the New York Knicks.
Julius Randle has not shot the ball particularly well as of late, yet he has remained aggressive attacking the rim and drawing contact, which has helped him post respectable scoring numbers. Michael Porter Jr. has maintained his scoring efficiency but has not initiated the offense as much as the Nets would like from their primary scoring option. The team needs Randle to keep his downhill mentality, which should continue to yield easy chances in the paint and at the free-throw line. It will also create cleaner shot opportunities for his teammates.
Nolan Traore has been red hot from behind the arc, which should complement his ability to get downhill and pressure the rim. The Nets will likely initiate a significant portion of their offense through him and hope his dribble-drive game opens up the floor for others. Day'Ron Sharpe could look to build off his season-best performance on Sunday after an underwhelming showing on Monday, as the Nets need him to roll to the rim effectively and control the glass. Moe Wagner should also continue to capitalize on looks inside and move the ball efficiently, especially when stationed at the high post. Mikel Brown Jr. got too trigger-happy from deep in the loss to the Knicks, but he is likely to keep firing from that range. However, the Nets could benefit from him attacking the rim with more ferocity.
Key Analysis
The Hornets should look to run their game plan through Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. Miller excels as a midrange scorer and 3-point shooter, while Knueppel is a lockdown 3-point shooter. Nets defenders will need to stay attached to both players to prevent them from getting free on and off the ball. The Nets defense will also have to account for Naz Reid and his inside-out game.