Charlotte Hornets have a huge task on their hands as they prepare to host Golden State Warriors for a big encounter at the Time Warner Cable Arena on Wednesday. The Hornets have been one of the best teams at home with an 8-2 win-loss record, and they will be eager to hand Warriors their first defeat.
The Warriors, who have taken the NBA by storm this season, have won the first 19 matches of the season and will be gunning for their 20th win against the Hornets. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have been the standout players for the Warriors.
Curry, who averages 31.6 points per game (ppg) this season, has been the biggest threat for opponents so far, as he has carried his Most Valuable Player (MVP) form to this season as well. If he continues, another MVP award will fall in his lap. Green averages 13.2 ppg and Thompson, with his brilliant shooting skills, averages 16.3 ppg.
Most importantly, the Hornets need to find a way to contain Curry's incredible point-scoring ability. The Hornets, who possess a solid defence, will be severely tested against the Warriors.
Though people might have been talking about the Warriors' stupendous run in the season so far, they have showed strong character when they have had to deal against the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets this season.
Even their last game against the Utah Jazz was a close one, as the score of 106-103 reflects.
"What gets lost in the record is the tough games we've had to claw our way out of like (Monday's)," AP quoted Curry as saying. "Just because we are 19-0 doesn't mean we can just show up and blow teams out and guarantee a win. We actually have to do something about it.''
The Hornets, without a shadow of doubt, have players such as Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lin and Nicolas Batum in their ranks to make life tough, but they have to bring their A-game to defeat the Warriors.
With the Hornets playing good basketball at home, where they are always well supported, Walker, who is pretty confident of his team, has to stand tall to defeat the Warriors.
"It's been a great month for us,'' said Walker. ''We've got great depth now. Guys are always willing to step up and make plays.''
Where to watch live
Charlotte Hornets vs Golden State Warriors NBA game is scheduled for 7pm ET (5:30 am IST, 12 am GMT) start. There is no live TV coverage in India.
US viewers can watch the Charlotte Hornets vs Golden State Warriors NBA game on Fox Sports Southeast.
International viewers, including those in India, can watch all the NBA live action by live streaming on NBA Online.
