National Basketball Association

Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Hornets: Pre-Game Report 11/4/16

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:11 p.m. ET

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Apr 8, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) shoots the ball between Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum (5) and center Cody Zeller (40) in the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Nets 113-99. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off of a big win over the Detroit Pistons, the Brooklyn Nets seek to make it two wins in a row against the Charlotte Hornets.

The Nets have had a very up-and-down start to their 2016 season. After competing until the final buzzer in their first three games, one of which the team won, the Nets were embarrassed by the Chicago Bulls at home. Following their pathetic performance against the Bulls, the Nets went to Detroit and defeated the talented Detroit Pistons.

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Based on the start to the Nets season, the chances one has to predict the outcome of this game is about the odds one has at winning the lottery (ok, that may be a stretch).

The Hornets have to be happy with the way they have started the season, winning three of their four games.

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Kemba Walker is the leader of this Hornets team, and he has shown that through his stats thus far. The young point guard is averaging 23 points, 5.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.

On the other hand, Nic Batum has had a disappointing start to the season, at least for his standards. He is putting up 13.3 points, 5.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Nets’ fans better hope Batum continues his sluggish start, especially when considering the damage he can do when he is up to par.

After these two players, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams, and Cody Zeller fill the rest of the starting lineup. All three of these forwards are having very solid seasons.

Jan 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Nets 112-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Nets’ Keys To Victory

1. Fill the void of Jeremy Lin

The biggest news for the Nets is the loss of Jeremy Lin. Lin sustained a hamstring injury in the game against the Pistons and isn’t projected to return to the lineup for at least two weeks. He will miss out on the chance to take down his former team.

The Nets will continue to rely on Bojan Bogdanovic, Brook Lopez, and Sean Kilpatrick for scoring, as the three are averaging a combined 51.8 points per game.

As well as Lin has played, he is only the Nets’ fourth leading scorer, so his absence won’t be too devastating in regards to scoring.

With this news, Isaiah Whitehead is the next man up, at least with Greivis Vasquez injured.

Whitehead has proven to be a very raw talent, as he is averaging three turnovers per game compared to an unimpressive two assists per game. The guard is in for a challenging task of running this complex Nets’ offense.

2. Out-rebound the Hornets

This is a strong area for the Nets: they rank towards the top in the league in rebounding (fifth to be exact).

They will continue to lean on Lopez, Trevor Booker, and Justin Hamilton. The big men are racking up a combined 20.6 rebounds per game.

As for this game, however, the Hornets are also an excellent team on the boards, meaning this will be a gritty game on the glass. The Nets must continue to excel in this category.

Players To Watch

Brooklyn: Isaiah Whitehead

Once again, Whitehead will likely take on the role of starting point guard with Lin out of the lineup. The guard is averaging 3.5 points, 2.0 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.3 steals per game.

We have seen why the Nets traded up to select the ex-Seton Hall star: he has a ton of potential. However, that potential is going to take time to reach, and during that time, the Nets are going to receive rookie mistakes from Whitehead.

Whitehead has big shoes to fill, as Lin has made himself one of the faces of this team. A big game from Whitehead may be the difference-maker for the Nets.

Charlotte: Kemba Walker

As for the Hornets, Walker is obviously the player to watch.

Aside from this offensive ability, he has proven to be a solid defender, and should give Whitehead a run for his money. Walker is still in the earlier stage of his NBA career, so he should have a good idea of how to take an advantage of a young player like Whitehead.

Now, to talk about his offensive ability, which is simply phenomenal. He has an extremely easy matchup, as he will be guarded by, dare I say his name again, Whitehead. Walker will take advantage of Whitehead’s inexperience in defending a player like himself.

Unfortunately for the Nets, Walker is in for a huge outing against the Whitehead and company.

Nov 2, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Projected Starters

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Hornets:

Injury Report

Nets:

Hornets:

This game will be broadcast on the YES Network at 7:30 EST. Join the conversation by tweeting to @NetsBlogFS.

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