Doug Branson here, the host of the daily Locked On Hornets podcast, with your daily Locked On Hornets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hornets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Are the Charlotte Hornets Taking Too Many Threes?
Nov 6, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) and forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images|Jim Dedmon/Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Hornets Injury Woes and Three-Point Overload: Can They Adapt? Hey there, Hornets fans! Here’s a quick breakdown of today’s top headlines from Locked On Hornets. Injuries are piling up, the three-point attempts are soaring, and we’ve got a critical matchup against the Pacers tonight. Let’s dive in!
Injury Updates It feels like injuries have become a permanent fixture for the Hornets, with Miles Bridges out with a bone bruise, and Mark Williams and Nick Richards still sidelined. The constant theme? “Reevaluation in two weeks,” which leaves us in an uncomfortable limbo with little clarity on return timelines. I can’t help but wonder—how much control do the Hornets (or any team) truly have over injuries? It’s clear the new training staff has been working hard to customize player programs, but are we just cursed with bad luck? Until we see consistent results, it’s a fair question.
The Three-Point Debate Here’s where it gets interesting. With the injuries forcing a shift in strategy, the Hornets are currently second in the NBA in three-point attempt rate—but that’s not without its challenges. The team’s three-point accuracy has fluctuated, and when the shots aren’t falling, we’re left with a chaotic offense that’s too reliant on long-range attempts. The stats show the Hornets’ offense ranks near the bottom of the league, and the lack of a consistent inside presence due to injuries only adds to the challenge.
The issue isn’t just the quantity of threes; it’s the quality. The Hornets aren’t getting to the rim or the free-throw line enough, and when they do, they’re struggling to finish. This “three-point or bust” mentality has led to wild swings in performance, with high-risk shots dictating the pace and outcome of each game. Consistency is key, and we’re sorely missing it right now.
Tonight’s Game: Hornets vs. Pacers As we face the Pacers, who also like to shoot from deep, it’s a high-stakes matchup that could go either way. Key matchups to watch: LaMelo Ball vs. Tyrese Haliburton and how each team manages their depleted roster. Both teams have injuries, which could level the playing field, but it’s going to be crucial for the Hornets to make the most of their offensive possessions.
In my view, this game could swing on LaMelo’s early production. We need him to find his rhythm before the fourth quarter, especially without Miles Bridges on the floor. LaMelo’s inconsistency in finishing at the rim has always been a point of concern, and without a strong inside game, we’re forced to lean even more heavily on outside shooting.
What’s Next? The questions continue for the Hornets: Can we strike a better offensive balance? Can the team find ways to drive more effectively and break this injury curse? The season is young, but the Hornets are in desperate need of a turnaround, both in terms of health and strategy. Here’s hoping tonight’s game brings a much-needed win—and a bit more clarity.
Catch the full discussion on Locked on Hornets, where we break down the latest updates and dive into how the Hornets can get back on track.
The Nuggets did it (Nikola Jokic did it), the Warriors did it (the death lineup and defensive efficiency), the Celtics did it (switching one through five, pre-switching, neutralizing open lanes), and now the Thunder are doing it.
It’s been described as pestering, smothering, swarming, but I‘d like to put “car wash” into consideration. That’s the set up awaiting opponents. The car (the opposing team) gets locked into those self-driving tracks and the gauntlet begins. Lu Dort and Alex Caruso appear as those cylindrical spinning brushes, stripping the ball outright and early or else funnelling players into the next wave of guards. Pressure continues from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams but it becomes more targeted, thinking of the jet streams of water now being directed at the car from every angle — and those spinning whirlwinds of Caruso and Dort haven’t relented.
If, somehow, an opposing player finds a sliver of daylight in the so-small-its-micro-ball switching scheme the Thunder are playing, if they manage to get out from the many hands reaching in, pressuring, forcing turnovers, then they will meet Chet Holmgren at the rim. Holmgren is like those long, slapping shammy tentacles that come down on the hood, sides and roof of the car from every angle, though his reach and hands are much more expertly deployed. The Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.5 (for context the Warriors, at second best, seem light-years behind with a respectable 103.8) and lead the league in steals (13.4) and blocks (7.3). The cars are coming out spotless, utterly worked.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis LaMelo Ball’s offense shines through in the Hornets’ victory, showcasing his growing prowess on the court. Can he shine on defense, too? (AP News)
Preview The Indiana Pacers face off against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center at 7pm ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Watch Defense wins games? Here’s an insightful breakdown of OKC’s defensive schemes. (Thinking Basketball)
Must Read The Influence of Sedona Price: Take a fascinating look at the domino effect of NIL on college athletics, women’s sports, social media and athlete health. (The New Yorker)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Impact of Miles Bridges’ Injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) holds his knee after a collision at the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center.|Photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
With only three games on Thursday, there was ample time to delve into the latest injury news and its implications for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Their Impact
Miles Bridges’ knee injury is a significant concern. After initially returning to play, he’s now sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee bone bruise. This situation opens up opportunities for other players. With Nick Richards and Mark Williams also out, Taj Gibson steps in as the starting centre. Grant Williams, who has been getting centre minutes, will likely shift to playing more at the four, alongside Tidjane Salaun. This reshuffling could push Williams into a more prominent role, making him a potential pick-up in 12-team leagues.
The absence of Bridges also means increased usage for Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Tre Mann is another player to watch; holding onto him could be beneficial as the team adjusts to these injuries.
Ja Morant’s hamstring injury is another blow, with expectations of a two-week absence. Memphis’ injury reporting is notoriously vague, so fantasy managers should prepare for an extended period without Morant. Tyrese Maxey’s situation is similar, with the Sixers indicating a reevaluation in a week, but realistically, it could be longer. Kyle Lowry is a suitable replacement in the meantime.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hornets podcasts.
Are the Hornets Shooting Too Many 3s? + Miles Bridges Injured In today’s episode, we dive into the latest injury news from the Charlotte Hornets with updates on Miles Bridges, Mark Williams, and Nick Richards. With a string of injuries affecting the lineup, Doug and Walker discuss how the new training staff is managing the situation and whether the Hornets are taking too many three-pointers. The hosts debate the team’s offensive strategy and preview the upcoming matchup against the Indiana Pacers, including insights on LaMelo Ball vs. Tyrese Haliburton and the challenges the Hornets face against a Pacers team who can overwhelm you with shot makers.
Hornets BUZZER BEATER: Miller’s Heroics, LaMelo’s Explosive Fourth Quarter, and Bridges’ Big Night In a nail-biter, the Charlotte Hornets secure a thrilling 108-107 win against the Detroit Pistons, powered by Brandon Miller’s game-winning tip-in, LaMelo Ball’s electric fourth-quarter performance, and Miles Bridges’ resurgence. We break down Miller’s offensive rebound, LaMelo’s scoring rampage, and Coach Charles Lee’s tactical adjustments to get the best out of Bridges.
Charlotte Hornets Face Big Man Crisis with Nick Richards Injury Plus Charles Lee Coaching Critiques With the Hornets facing a major setback after Nick Richards’ rib injury, the team’s frontcourt depth is in serious trouble. How will they adjust with both Richards and Mark Williams sidelined? In this episode of Locked On Hornets, we dig into the implications of this injury for Charlotte’s season and discuss Coach Charles Lee’s strategies under pressure.
