The 2016-17 NBA season kicks off in balmy Milwaukee, Wisconsin against the Bucks for the Charlotte Hornets. After months of trades, singings, practices, and preseason games, this one will count. Both teams are eager to get back to the playoffs.
The Hornets went 3-4 in the preseason, losing in blowout fashion in their final tune-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The theme of the preseason was nagging frontcourt injuries, and those have stretched out to their first game.
Center Cody Zeller missed the entire preseason recovering from a knee injury, and his status for Wednesday’s game is up in the air.