**What:** Charlotte Hornets (11-21) (7-9 home) vs Golden State Warriors (17-16) (7-12 away)
**When:** 1:00pm Eastern
**Where:** Spectrum Center; Charlotte, NC
**How to watch:** FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass
**Outfitting:** Hornets–City (yellow/orange), Warriors–Icon (blue)
**Game Lines:** Hornets +7.5, Hornets money line +280, O/U 232.5
**Injuries:**
Hornets: Kon Knueppel-probable (ankle), Miles Bridges-questionable (ankle), Pat Connaughton-questionable (ankle), Ryan Kalkbrenner-out (elbow), Mason Plumlee-out (groin), Grant Williams-out (knee)
Warriors: Seth Curry-out (sciatic nerve irritation)
The big news for this game is that Kon Knueppel is already back to being probable after missing just one full game with a sprained ankle. It’s refreshing when we’ve gotten used to seeing injuries linger for longer than expected over the last few years. Miles Bridges is also questionable after spraining his ankle last time out. The Hornets will need all hands on deck against the Warriors.
The Warriors are desperately trying to cling to competitiveness as their dynasty era comes to an end. They acquired Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline last year to add some more star power. He’s been good, but the whole product just isn’t working to the standard we’ve become accustomed to from Golden State. Most of the key pieces are well into their 30s, and the young supporting talent is just that, supporting talent. There aren’t any stars in the pipeline. Stephen Curry is doing most of the heavy lifting on offense while Jimmy Butler provides the Robin to his Batman. Draymond Green still does his usual stuff, but it doesn’t quite pack the same punch when the team around him isn’t as good.
The Warriors hoist more threes than anyone in the league, but they’re only average at converting them. Steph Curry is obviously terrifying with the volume and accuracy he can shoot, but there isn’t much after him. Brandin Podziemski is pretty good and Moses Moody gets a couple per game, but he’s not as lethal as he should be as a catch-and-shoot specialist. Everyone else basically makes a third of their attempts. Buddy Hield is having the worst 3-point shooting season of his career. Quentin Post hasn’t matched his rookie season efficiency. Again, it’s just not quite clicking.
The Hornets will have to overcome what has been a very stingy Warriors defense. They generate a lot of steals, which the Hornets have to be aware of given how reckless they can get with the ball at times. Golden State also defends the three ball well, and the Hornets are one of the most voluminous 3-point shooting teams in the league. If there’s a place where the Warriors are lacking, it’s on the defensive glass. Moussa Diabate can make an impact there.
All of this happens with an early afternoon tip-off on New Year’s Eve. Get your Hornets fix in before ringing in the new year.
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