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.
Hornets Snap Losing Streak in Win Over Indiana
đ Hornets Victory Highlights The streak is over! The Charlotte Hornets clawed their way to a much-needed 113-109 win over the Indiana Pacers, halting their eight-game losing streak. Brandon Miller was the star of the night, putting on a show with 26 points, including a thunderous dunk that left fans buzzing and 11 points in a clutch fourth-quarter performance. Despite some mid-game frustrations and visible tension with head coach Charles Lee, Miller responded with poise when it mattered most.
His ability to handle double-teams and find critical scoring opportunities has been a bright spot for a team desperate for a spark. This win wasnât pretty, but it was exactly what the Hornets needed.
đ My Take This was one of those âtake it however you canâ games, but there were signs of growth for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is proving heâs more than just potentialâheâs learning how to navigate the defensive attention and still produce. Charles Leeâs fiery coaching style was also on display, as he publicly challenged Miller during a tense moment in the second half. Leeâs approach seems rooted in accountability, and for now, the players appear to be responding positively.
What excites me most is how these gritty moments might set the tone for a young team trying to find its identity. If Miller and LaMelo Ball can continue to grow under this system, the future might be brighter than it seems after such a rough start to the season.
đ Weekend Recap The win against Indiana followed a tough loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the NBAâs top teams this season. Hereâs what stood out from the back-to-back:
⢠Cleveland Loss: The Hornets fell 116-102 but saw moments of promise, particularly from Brandon Miller and Isaiah Wong, whoâs making a case for more minutes.
⢠Isaiah Wong Shines: Wongâs energy and defensive hustle have been a pleasant surprise. He added a highlight dunk against Cleveland and followed it with solid play in Indiana.
⢠DaQuan Jeffries Adapts: Forced into an undersized center role, Jeffries has embraced the challenge, providing effort and outside shooting that gives the team much-needed flexibility.
đ¨ Trade Watch: MiciÄ to Denver? Denver is reeling, and the Hornets might be in a position to capitalize. Vasilije MiciÄ has been linked to the Nuggets, a team in desperate need of another playmaker. With Denver sitting at 12-10 and struggling to defend their championship title, the pressure is mounting for them to make a move.
For the Hornets, dealing MiciÄ for Zeke Nnaji and a package of picks could solve their frontcourt depth issues while adding long-term assets. My take? This is the perfect moment to revisit those talksâespecially with MiciÄ showing improvement in recent games.
đ§ Quick Hits ⢠T.J. McConnell Curse? Walker shares his theory on the latest Locked On Hornets. McConnell has held a grudge since Nic Batumâs infamous âguaranteed winâ against the Sixers years ago. His dominant performance against Charlotte feels personal.
⢠Front Office Success: Jeff Peterson continues to impress with under-the-radar moves. Isaiah Wong and DaQuan Jeffries are proving to be valuable finds, but the real test will be turning these short-term surprises into long-term contributors.
đ Looking Ahead The Hornets are still short-handed, but reinforcements could be on the way with LaMelo Ballâs return on the horizon. Once the roster is healthy, itâll be time to evaluate which of these young players fit the teamâs long-term vision. For now, though, fans can enjoy a hard-fought win that provides some much-needed hope.
Final Thought The Hornetsâ victory is a small step in a long journey, but it showcased critical development in players like Brandon Miller. With trade season heating up and some surprising performances from unlikely contributors, Charlotte might be ready to turn the cornerâif they play their cards right.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasnât managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe itâs their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe itâs the strain that every relationship faces â but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature â as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, itâs a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompsonâs departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynastyâs foundation. Certainly, Thompsonâs absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curryâs shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
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
Replay The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers 113-109. (AP)
Injury Grant Williams provides an update on his ACL injury recovery timeline. The Hornets will need to adapt their strategies during his absence. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists. (NBA.com)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiidâs Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiidâs return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ersâ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ersâ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bullsâ side, Zach LaVineâs resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola VuÄeviÄ's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bullsâ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Todayâs Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxeyâs performance and future potential
- Zach LaVineâs resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bullsâ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
