On the Lookout: Bucks host Hornets, aim to stop skid

The game between the Charlotte Hornets and host Milwaukee Bucks will be aired on Saturday, 9:00 AM on NBA League Pass. 

Both teams are currently in the top five of the Eastern Conference, but the Hornets are in a sticky situation for the next few weeks.

Charlotte has a record of 26-24, just ahead of the Hawks, Heat, Celtics and Knicks—teams all within striking range. This means each game is crucial for the Hornets to secure their place in the top four coming into the playoffs.

The team went 6-4 in their last 10 games, nine of which were without star rookie LaMelo Ball. However, Hornets fans need not worry because Terry Rozier is delivering in his absence.

Rozier has been having an incredible season with 20.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Not only is he a good starter, he can carry his team to a win when performing solo. In their last game against the OKC Thunder where the Hornets did not have Ball and Hayward, Rozier played almost the whole game and finished with 17 points and five assists to steer his team to a victory.

However, the story could be a little different when the Hornets meet tough contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks, who are in a little limbo trying to get some momentum going. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been out for three games. The Bucks won the first game he was out, but lost in their last two games. Fortunately, a lot of other guys have been stepping up to compensate for his absence. Jrue Holiday rewarded the Bucks with an average of 25 points in his last five games, proof that he deserved the 4-year contract extension.

Khris Middleton has also played with some level of consistency. In his last 10 games, he has put up 21.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. But it remains to be seen if Middleton can carry the Bucks with the MVP candidate sidelined. No word yet if Antetokounmpo will play in the Hornets game, so it’ll be up to Middleton and the rest of the Bucks to try to get back on the winning track.