As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, fans are left wondering if their team can bounce back from a series of tough games. The Hornets have been struggling with consistency this season, and their recent performances have left much to be desired.

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 15: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 15, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last outing on January 14 against the Miami Heat, CHA scored only 87 points, a reflection of their offensive woes. With a shooting percentage of just 35 percent from the field and an even more concerning 24 percent from beyond the arc, it's clear that shot selection and execution are areas in need of immediate attention. Despite grabbing an impressive total of 57 rebounds, they were unable to capitalize on these opportunities as evidenced by their time leading: a non-existent figure.

The game prior to that was not any kinder to CHA. On January 13 against San Antonio Spurs, they allowed a staggering 135 points while managing only 99 themselves. Their defensive rating was alarmingly high at over 122 points per hundred possessions – indicative of significant lapses on defense that need tightening up before facing NOP.

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 15: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 15, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

However, it's not all doom and gloom for CHA fans. There were some positives in these games that could serve as building blocks for improvement. For instance, in both matches combined they drew over thirty fouls and maintained free throw percentages above seventy percent which shows an ability to get to the line effectively.

Looking ahead at NOP’s recent performance against Sacramento Kings on January 11 where they lost with a scoreline reflecting defensive shortcomings (123-98), there might be room for optimism for CHA supporters. If CHA can exploit similar weaknesses in NOP's defense while shoring up their own vulnerabilities – particularly by reducing turnovers which stood at fifteen against MIA – then there is potential for them to emerge victorious.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 15: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball while being defended by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first period of the game at Spectrum Center on December 15, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

It is imperative that players like Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball step up offensively while also getting support from key bench players who contributed just fifteen points in Miami; depth could be crucial here.

The upcoming game scheduled for January 17th promises another test for this young Hornets squad as they seek redemption on NOP’s home court at eight o'clock Eastern Time. Fans eager to see if CHA can turn things around should tune into BSSE channel number six hundred forty-nine or attend live if possible; witnessing whether this team can indeed sting back after recent setbacks will certainly make for compelling viewing.

NBA - Opinion

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