Even in the good times, the Charlotte Hornets can’t seem to enjoy some of the good times.
But they will be back there on Monday afternoon when the Dallas Mavericks visit.
The Hornets, looking to win their first three games this season, will be dealing with the loss of forward Brandon Miller, who suffered a serious wrist injury.
The Mavericks have injury questions as well, so team health should factor in.
The Hornets return home after a five-game road trip. But two games in Los Angeles were postponed due to the California wildfires, so it ended up being a 2-1 road trip.
Normally, that would be considered very good for Charlotte. But Miller’s injury dampened spirits, so much so that guard LaMelo Ball called it “tough times” for the team.
The Hornets were without Miller during Friday night’s 125-123 win in Chicago, with information about the extent of his absence following the game. He suffered an injury two nights earlier in Utah.
To fill Miller’s spot, the Hornets could call up Josh Okogie, who was acquired a few days ago in the deal that sent center Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns.
“I think he’s a jack of all trades, and we’re very excited about what he’s going to bring to our team,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said of Okogie. “I think right away, he brings a good defense to our team. His knowledge of the league and his instincts.”
Nick Smith Jr. of Charlotte made his first NBA start and logged 26 minutes on Friday, while Seth Curry played 18 minutes off the bench. Each scored 15 points.
Miller is averaging 21.0 points per game, though this will be his second injury-related absence of the season.
“We’re going to have to come together and help him get his situation right,” Lee said.
Dallas has also not played since Friday’s 106-98 home win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kyrie Irving poured in 25 points to lead the Mavericks in scoring for the first time since December 28.
“It’s amazing,” said teammate Naji Marshall. “He put us on (his) back.”
Due to a back injury, Irving has only played in three games in January. He appeared for 39 minutes on Friday night, but said he is still in the process of returning to form.
“Just keep moving in the right direction so I don’t end up the way I came out and have to have surgery,” Irving said. “I feel a lot better. … Taking my time and being patient.”
Even with a few days off, the Mavericks could be sore going into Monday’s game. Jaden Hardy left Friday’s game with a right ankle sprain and Dwight Powell sat out with a groin strain. Neither player returned to action.
Since Christmas, the Mavericks have lost nine of 13 games. Dallas has given up its last five road starts.
So after defeating one of the top teams in the NBA, the Mavericks will try to keep the momentum going against one of the worst clubs in the league.
Returning to Charlotte is Mavericks forward PJ Washington, who spent nearly five years with the Hornets to begin his professional career.
Washington has started 34 of 35 games for Dallas this season, averaging 13.1 points and a team-leading 7.8 rebounds per game.
–Field Level Media