The Charlotte Hornets have made a significant adjustment to their lineup as they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 15, 2024. Following a series of inconsistent performances, the team will welcome back rookie sensation Kon Knueppel, who has been upgraded to available after dealing with a hip contusion. Head coach Charles Lee has opted for a starting five that he hopes will bring renewed energy and performance to the court.
In recent outings, the Hornets have struggled on their road trip, with LaMelo Ball averaging just 14 points per game. Despite the dip in scoring, Ball has maintained a strong assist-to-turnover ratio of 14 to 1, reflecting his ability to manage the game effectively. “This is the best LaMelo has taken care of the ball in a while,” said Lee, emphasizing the importance of Ball’s playmaking as the team seeks victory against the Thunder.
Knueppel’s return is particularly noteworthy given his previous performance trajectory. He faced challenges during the last game against the Chicago Bulls, where he shot only 4 of 14 from the field and 2 of 6 from three-point range. Nevertheless, his presence in the lineup is expected to bolster the Hornets’ offensive capabilities.
Key Players to Watch
Another player to keep an eye on is Bridges, who has recorded a double-double in two of his last three games. He fell just one rebound short of achieving another double-double against the Washington Wizards and has been shooting impressively from beyond the arc at 47.1% during this road trip. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be crucial as the Hornets aim to secure a win.
Additionally, Moussa Diabate has been cleared to play despite being listed as questionable due to a wrist injury. This will be his first game of the three-game road trip, and the Hornets hope to see a return to form from Diabate, who had a quiet outing last time with zero points but recorded eight rebounds. His hustle and rebounding are vital in providing second-chance opportunities for the team.
The game is set to tip off at approximately 20:10 ET, with coverage provided by the familiar duo of Eric Collins and Dell Curry on the FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, while fans can also listen to the broadcast on WFNZ with Sam Farber.
As the Hornets strive to turn their season around, the matchup against the Thunder presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With key players returning and others stepping up, Charlotte will look to make a statement on the court.
