Washington-wizards vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions December 26th 2024

Wizards and Hornets Seek Relief in Battle of Struggling Teams

The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets, two teams languishing at the bottom of the Southeast Division, face off Thursday night in Washington in a matchup between squads desperate for a win. Combined, the two teams have just 11 victories this season, but for one of them, Thursday could be a rare chance to change the narrative.

Hornets: Searching for Answers

The Hornets (7-22) are in a free fall, having lost five straight games and 13 of their last 14. Their most recent outing, a 114-101 defeat to the Houston Rockets, showcased their struggles. Charlotte managed only one 3-pointer in the first quarter and trailed 62-31 at halftime, exiting the court to boos from their home crowd.

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Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 24 points and eight rebounds, while LaMelo Ball added 23 points and eight assists. However, defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion plagued the team.

“That’s not Hornets basketball,” Bridges said postgame. “It starts with the physicality, communication. … We’ve just got to be better defensively.”

Following the loss, the team held a players-only meeting in an attempt to address their issues.

“We’ve got to be tougher, got to play harder. Just do all the things it takes to win. Just got to have some pride out there,” said center Mark Williams, who contributed 12 points and nine rebounds against Houston.

Wizards: Signs of Fight Despite Injuries

The Wizards (4-24) have shown glimpses of competitiveness, splitting their last four home games. However, injuries continue to hinder the team. Bilal Coulibaly (groin), Alex Sarr (back), and Kyle Kuzma (ribs) all missed Monday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Marvin Bagley III exited early with a knee injury.

Despite these setbacks, Washington stayed within striking distance before the Thunder pulled away in the final quarter, outscoring the Wizards 32-18.

Jordan Poole delivered his fourth 30-plus-point game of the season, finishing with 31 points, including 5-of-12 from beyond the arc. Poole’s performance drew praise from head coach Brian Keefe.

“He’s our primary scorer,” Keefe said. “He draws so much attention. … I thought he played a terrific game tonight. Not just for himself, he got other guys going.”

Carlton Carrington added 14 points, while Jonas Valanciunas notched his eighth double-double of the season with 12 points and 16 rebounds. However, turnovers continued to be a problem for Washington, as 19 miscues led to 24 points for Oklahoma City.

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Jordan Poole vs. LaMelo Ball: Both guards are critical to their teams’ offensive success. Poole’s ability to score and create opportunities for teammates will go head-to-head with Ball’s playmaking and scoring touch.
• Miles Bridges vs. Wizards’ Frontcourt: Bridges has been a bright spot for Charlotte, but he’ll need to overcome Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas, who has been a dominant presence on the boards.
• Turnovers: Washington’s turnover woes could provide an opening for Charlotte, especially if the Hornets can capitalize on fast-break opportunities.

What’s at Stake

While neither team is close to playoff contention, this game offers a chance for some much-needed momentum. For Charlotte, it’s an opportunity to show improvement following their players-only meeting. For Washington, it’s a chance to build on Poole’s offensive spark and protect home court.

Both teams are starved for success, and Thursday’s clash could provide a glimmer of positivity for the victor in a challenging season.