Michael Jordan’s Charlotte Hornets will be playing against the Miami Heat in a midday fixture today. The tip-off will be at 1 pm EST at the Spectrum Center. The Hornets are coming off a 96-111 win against the Chicago Bulls. Mason Plumlee and LaMelo Ball were the standout players for the Hornets in that game when both of them put up a double-double.
The Heat has been on a decent run in recent times. They have won 7 out of their last 10 games and are aiming to build that momentum. Moreover, the Miami-based franchise is currently on a 3-game winning streak as well. The Hornets would have to be on their A-game if they wish to take the win tonight, as some of their players might be out with injuries as well.
LaMelo Ball is available for the Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat game tonight
LaMelo Ball has had some serious troubles with injuries this year. He twisted his ankle when playing against the Houston Rockets earlier this month. Although he was on the sidelines for quite some time, it certainly looks like the Hornets will have their star young player for the game today.
INJURY UPDATE: @hornets vs MIA 1/29
Smith Jr (non-COVID illness) probable
Martin (L Knee soreness) out
Oubre (L Hand surgery) out— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) January 28, 2023
The other players on the Hornets injury report will be Dennis Smith Jr., Cody Martin, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Dennis’s appearance is a question mark due to a non-COVID illness but the Hornets’ PR team claims that he is probable to feature today. Cody and Kelly will be missing the game with left knee soreness and left-hand surgery respectively.
Charlotte Hornets injury report
- Dennis Smith Jr. (probable)
- Cody Martin (out)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (out)
Charlotte Hornets expected roster
- LaMelo Ball
- Mason Plumlee
- PJ Washington
- Gordon Hayward
- Terry Rozier
Miami Heat injury report
- Duncan Robinson (out)
- Nikola Jovic (out)
- Omer Yurtseven (out)
None of the Heat’s key players will be missing the game against the Hornets today. Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jokic, and Omer Yurtseven will all be on the sidelines as their return dates remain indefinite.
The Heat might be slightly favored over the Hornets tonight
The Hornets were quite decent in shooting in the 2021-22 NBA season. This year, their problems have been quite visible. The Hornets have failed to address their defensive loopholes and their offense has not been able to help save them like it has done in the past. This will be one of the main reasons why the Heat will be the favorites for the game tonight. Jimmy Butler‘s presence will be key tonight, as he will be the one that the Hornets will want to watch.
The last time these two franchises faced off was in November 2022. The Heat won the game 115-132, thanks to a 20-point game from Butler. Along with that, Max Strus and Bam Adebayo also contributed 31 and 24 points respectively. We can certainly expect the same to be the case tonight. Tyler Herro is available to play against the Hornets tonight, and he will also be a crucial factor.