In a crucial matchup, the Charlotte Hornets will face the Brooklyn Nets without their star player, LaMelo Ball, who has been ruled out due to injury management. Ball's absence is significant as he boasts impressive averages of 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. The Hornets are struggling, coming off a narrow loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and currently sit at 14-48, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference, amidst a nine-game losing streak.

The Nets, on the other hand, are also struggling with a 21-41 record and are in the midst of a six-game losing streak. In games without Ball, Miles Bridges has stepped up, averaging 21.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in 15 games. Tonight, he will likely be the focal point for the Hornets’ offense as they search for a much-needed victory against a Nets team that has faltered recently.