Hornets vs Suns Game Thread.

[TheMaulClaw]

Here's the good news regarding this game.  The Hornets actually, for the first time, had more then a day off between games. Despite the concerns us fans have regarding team dynamics, the problem could be much simpler.  We've had an absolutely grueling schedule this point in terms of turnaround time from game to game.  This could be partly responsible for some of the second half collapses we've seen in the past two games.   Certain teams whose success is driven by guard play are more equipped to deal with this problem then us.....we go as Big Al goes....and he's been tired.  

 

With two full days off I expect to see a less tired team in the second half which should result in an improved second half fg percentage. 

 

In terms of match ups, this game it should be interesting.  The Suns are ill equipped to handle a healthy Big Al in the paint.  We're ill equipped to handle the depth of the Suns' guard rotations.  Our strategy shouldn't be to collapse in the paint when the Suns get the ball inside to a big.  To win this game we have to stop the guards being able to penetrate into the teeth of our defense. In other words make the Morris's and Plumlee beat us. 

 

With Zeller likely being inserted into the starting lineup with the absence of Williams our front court may improve.  However Williams hasn't been playing as bad as some seem to think and his shooting and his mid range defense will be missed.  What worries me is how the Suns will take advantage of the dreaded Maxiell, Biyombo combo we'll surely see.  It actually could be a decent defensive line up as Biyombo isn't nearly as flat-footed as Jefferson when an opposing guard penetrates into the paint. However it could be an offensive train wreck....so it's important for the guards to hit their shots while those two bigs are on the floor together.  

 

 

[Jakob]

Oh fug..

 

Rick Bonnell ‏@rick_bonnell  6m6 minutes ago

Numerous injuries for Hornets. MKG out. Williams, Stephenson and Neal all might miss Suns game. Hairston will start.

[TheMaulClaw]

Oh fug..

 

Rick Bonnell ‏@rick_bonnell  6m6 minutes ago

Numerous injuries for Hornets. MKG out. Williams, Stephenson and Neal all might miss Suns game. Hairston will start.

well....3-6  Fuggin Taylor.

[Jakob]

Line-up is gonna be..

 

Kemba Walker

PJ Hairston

Al Jefferson

???

Cody Zeller

[cbarrier90]

Oh fug..

Rick Bonnell ‏@rick_bonnell 6m6 minutes ago

Numerous injuries for Hornets. MKG out. Williams, Stephenson and Neal all might miss Suns game. Hairston will start.

MKG will miss the rest of the road trip and could be out a long time depending on his evaluation. He has a stress fracture. If P.J. starts it will be interesting to see if that jump starts the offense with improved spacing. MKG is obviously not replaceable on the bench but Zeller has outplayed Marvin.

Nothing wrong with forcing Cliff to change the rotations.

[TheMaulClaw]

Line-up is gonna be..

 

Kemba Walker

PJ Hairston

Al Jefferson

???

Cody Zeller

Walker/Roberts

Hairston/Henderson

Henderson/Vonleh

Zeller/Vonleh

Jefferson/Maxiel

 

Even if we lose this game will be interesting just because of Vonleh.

[Jakob]

I assume we will see Vonleh get some minutes tonight.

[cbarrier90]

Line-up is gonna be..

Kemba Walker

PJ Hairston

Al Jefferson

???

Cody Zeller

This is not the first time ive seen this. Why is it listed 1-2-5-3-4 instead of 1-2-3-4-5?

[Jakob]

Walker/Roberts

Hairston/Henderson

Henderson/Vonleh

Zeller/Vonleh

Jefferson/Maxiel

 

Even if we lose this game will be interesting just because of Vonleh.

I really want to see what he can do but I doubt we see him play more than 15-16 minutes.

[Jakob]

This is not the first time ive seen this. Why is it listed 1-2-5-3-4 instead of 1-2-3-4-5?

I think it all depends on preference. Some people like doing it in order, others like doing it by guard, guard, center, forward, forward.

[Carl Spackler]

Prepare for the following:

 

• Chuck shitposting about how Kemba isn't as good as Lillard and how he can't shoot, pass, rebound, do anything right. Don't expect coherent sentences

 

• Pantherfan49 backing up Chuck and denouncing Kemba due to his height and supposed lack of talent, probably got stiffed when asked Kemba for an autograph at some point

 

* God only knows what SuperJ has in store for us, probably something barely coherent, maybe about Henderson

 

• Someone suggesting Kemba be replaced by a UNC player, probably Felton (because that's where we are with posters right now)

 

 

[RoaringRiot]

Gotta think that Hendo starts the 2 and PJ at the 3. Yikes....

[RoaringRiot]

 

• Someone suggesting Kemba be replaced by a UNC player, probably Felton (because that's where we are with posters right now)

 

Only strengthens my point.....  Come on man....

[TheMaulClaw]

I really want to see what he can do but I doubt we see him play more than 15-16 minutes.

 

TBH 15-16 minutes sounds about right for him.  He hasn't played this year....he's not in game shape.  No point setting him up for failure by letting him play 25 plus minutes.