Everyone loves to focus on big-time matchups. And to be fair, games against the NBA’s elite are more fun. You can’t blame anyone for being more excited to watch the Toronto Raptors matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks than watch them play a game against the Charlotte Hornets. But that doesn’t mean the games against the bottom-tier aren’t illuminating.
Good teams, smart teams beat up on the NBA’s meekest opponents. And while their 6-7 record might suggest otherwise, the Hornets are one of the worst teams in the NBA. Heading into this contest they ranked 22nd in offense, 27th in defense, and 27th in Netrating.