Wizards Look to Build on Road Win as Hornets Aim to Snap Skid at Home
Washington Wizards vs Charlotte Hornets
The Washington Wizards (7-41) will head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets (12-34) in a pivotal Southeast Division clash on Monday, February 3, 2025. Both teams have struggled this season, but Washington is coming off an unexpected road win, while Charlotte is mired in a four-game losing streak. Let’s break down the key factors heading into this matchup and explore how the game could unfold.
Wizards Hope to Build Momentum After Road Win
Washington snapped a 16-game losing streak with a gutsy 105-103 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, a result that was considered an upset as they were 11.5-point underdogs. In the game, the Wizards maintained a small lead for much of the contest before finishing strong with a 9-0 run in the final minutes. Kyle Kuzma led the charge with 31 points and eight rebounds, proving that the Wizards have a few sparks of brilliance despite their overall struggles.
Currently, Washington ranks 27th in the league for scoring offense, averaging just 106.9 points per game. Their shooting woes are a major concern, as they sit 29th in field goal percentage (43.4%) and 29th in three-point shooting (32.9%). Defensively, they’re ranked dead last in the league, allowing a staggering 121.8 points per game. However, the Wizards’ recent win over Minnesota showed that when they hit their shots (including 15-of-33 from beyond the arc), they can pull off surprises.
Apart from Kuzma, the Wizards have been getting solid contributions from Jordan Poole (20.7 points per game) and rookie Bilal Coulibaly (12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds). However, their lack of overall depth, with injuries to key players like Monte Morris and Kristaps Porzingis, means they will need an exceptional team effort to defeat Charlotte.
Hornets Seek to End Skid at Home
The Charlotte Hornets are reeling, having dropped four straight games, including a tough 107-104 loss at home to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Despite battling hard, the Hornets failed to hold onto a late-game lead, surrendering the game’s final seven points. Miles Bridges was a bright spot in the defeat, registering 24 points and 12 rebounds, but Charlotte’s defensive lapses and shooting inefficiencies have hurt them throughout the season.
At 12-34, Charlotte remains one of the league’s bottom dwellers, but their rebounding has been a strength. The Hornets rank fifth in the league in total rebounds per game (46) and lead the league in offensive rebounds. Their top scorer, LaMelo Ball, continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 28.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. He will need to carry the load offensively, as the Hornets are ranked 28th in scoring, with just 106.8 points per game.
Charlotte also faces shooting challenges, ranking 30th in the league in field goal percentage (43%) and 25th in three-point shooting (34.3%). However, they do manage to generate more attempts from beyond the arc (13.9 per game), so their perimeter game remains a potential weapon. Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller (21 points per game) are key secondary scorers, and they will need to step up for Charlotte to get back on track.
Conclusion
Both teams have endured difficult seasons, but Washington’s recent road win and Charlotte’s ongoing struggles could make this game more competitive than expected. The Wizards’ defensive woes are concerning, but they have the potential to exploit Charlotte’s poor shooting, especially from beyond the arc. Washington has also won the last three matchups, which gives them a slight psychological edge heading into this one.
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