The Hornets haven’t been great on the road, and they could be missing some important players tonight. Speed and range at the point-guard position is always going to be a challenge for the Spurs to deal with, but they’re playing so well right now that I don’t think it matters. They own the league’s best defensive rating and have put up at least 110 in four straight games. Charlotte will need to be at their best to take this one.
The hopes for a Roynaissance in Charlotte haven’t really panned out. Whether off the bench or starting in place of Zeller (concussion), Hibbert’s not provided the type of defensive impact that made him a force in Indiana, and Steve Clifford’s been just as willing to lean more on Spencer Hawes or Frank Kaminsky.
Zeller missed the last game against the Spurs, and it appears he’ll be out again. That’s a shame for Charlotte, he’s probably the big that would give San Antonio the most trouble.
The Hornets may also be without key secondary creator Nicolas Batum, day-to-day with a knee injury, which will put more weight on Walker’s shoulders. It also makes them that much easier to scheme for. Watch the game online.
