On a five-game losing streak and riven by injuries after starting the season as the surprise of the NBA, the Charlotte Hornets face the LA Clippers on Saturday in a rare afternoon game. The Hornets have suffered particularly at the defensive end, not only missing Al Jefferson and Nic Batum (and longer-term, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) but also having to watch players like Jeremy Lamb play at less than 100% physically. NBA players can usually get the offense taken care of at less than 100% but defense is harder. The Hornets are giving up 111-plus points a game in the last five — that’s why they’re all losses.
[Jeremy Lin’s Hair Is So ‘FLETCH’]
On Saturday, the Hornets will need Jeremy Lin to play the role of defensive stopper against J.J. Reddick, one of the best shooters in the game and a critical weapon for the talented Clippers. Lin is a far better defensive player than he usually gets credit for, but Reddick presents a host of problems when Chris Paul is penetrating. Reddick currently ranks #2 in the league in 3-point percentage; he torched the Hornets for 26 in their last meeting. The Clippers have won eight straight. The Hornets face the Clippers on Saturday, January 9, at 3:30 ET at The Staples Center.
