The Washington Wizards look for their first victory of the preseason when visiting the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Washington has lost each of its first two preseason games to Golden State, falling in the first 97-87 and losing the second 104-95. Washington started last season strong winning 10 of the first 13 but then proceeded to win only 25 of their final 69 games and the front office revamped the roster during the offseason.
'Bradley Beal missed half of last season but returns completely healthy and Washington has versatile big man Kristaps Porzingis. The likely starters for Washington will be Beal, Porzingis, Will Barton, Kyle Kuzma and Monte Morris. Beal is one of the NBA's best scorers, while Porzingis can play both inside and outside. Will Barton was a key piece at Denver for several seasons before joining Washington during the Wizards. Morris also played for Denver and has been one of the NBA's best in assist/turnover ratio.
Charlotte is also winless thus far in the preseason, as the Hornets are 0-3, following two losses to the Boston Celtics and one loss to the Indiana Pacers. Charlotte's most recent loss was 112-103 at home versus Boston. Lamelo Ball was the leading scorer for Charlotte with 23 points while Kelly Oubre Jr scored 18. Charlotte shot just 38.2% and a disappointing 27% from three-point territory.'
Charlotte's starting five this season begins with LaMelo Ball, who has shown great leadership in his first two seasons in the NBA. Terry Rozier, who last season averaged 19.3 points per game, will be looked upon to score more as the Hornets could be without Miles Bridges their second-leading scorer from last season. Gordon Hayward will start but has been besieged with nagging injuries. PJ Washington will be the leading rebounder, while Mason Plumlee gives the Hornets a great deal of experience at 32.
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Washington Wizards