Hornets Juggling Lineup Changes Ahead of Visit from Nets
It has been a challenging season for both the Brooklyn Nets and the Charlotte Hornets, with both teams struggling to find consistency. When they meet on Wednesday night in Charlotte, they’ll be looking for a much-needed win to turn things around.
Hornets Dealing with LaMelo Ball’s Uncertain Status
Charlotte has been trying to navigate a constantly shifting lineup, especially as star guard LaMelo Ball continues to battle injuries. Ball left Monday’s 112-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers after just nine minutes due to an apparent ankle issue.
Head coach Charles Lee said they are taking a cautious approach with Ball’s recovery, monitoring his condition closely before making a decision about his availability.
“He did a great job of being in the locker room and staying engaged with the guys as they came off the court,” Lee said.
The Hornets have lost three of their last four games and will need to adjust their offensive strategy if Ball remains sidelined. They’ve been experimenting with different pick-and-roll combinations and are still working on chemistry with their newest addition, forward Josh Okogie, who was acquired in a trade from the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 15.
Okogie had one of his best games with Charlotte against the Lakers, scoring 19 points.
“The energy he brings—offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, pushing the pace—it’s been amazing,” said guard Josh Green. “He’s great to play with.”
Nets Struggling to Find Offensive Rhythm
The Nets’ season has been rough, and their issues were on full display in Monday’s 110-96 loss to the Sacramento Kings. That marked Brooklyn’s seventh straight defeat, including four consecutive home losses.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez remains optimistic but acknowledged the team’s struggles with turnovers and poor shot selection.
“The nature of the turnovers,” Fernandez said. “Nobody is trying to turn it over. I trust these guys; they can make the right play.”

One bright spot has been DeAngelo Russell, who has scored at least 19 points in four of Brooklyn’s last five games. Since arriving from the Lakers, he has been their most consistent scoring option, leading the team in points in four of the past six games.
However, Brooklyn’s offensive woes continue, especially from beyond the arc. The Nets shot just 10-for-36 on three-pointers against Sacramento, a key reason for their struggles.
“A lot of teams play zone against us,” Fernandez said. “We have to keep preaching to take the right shot, make the right play.”
Injury Concerns for Both Teams
The Nets will also have to monitor an injury to forward Noah Clowney, who left Monday’s game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Charlotte remains cautious with Ball, who has been in and out of the lineup all season.
Both teams are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, with the Nets sitting in 13th place and the Hornets in 14th.
A Tight Matchup in the Making
Brooklyn won the only previous matchup between these teams this season, a 116-115 thriller in the NBA Cup on Nov. 19. Cameron Johnson led the Nets with 34 points in that game, but he remains out with an ankle injury and won’t return until at least the end of the week.
For the Hornets, getting contributions from players like Okogie and Green will be crucial as they look to adjust their lineup and find a way to get back on track. If Ball can’t go, Charlotte will have to rely on their depth to step up in a game both teams desperately need to win.